Rob suspect slain in Tondo shootout

MANILA, Philippines - A suspected robber was killed in an alleged shootout with policemen in Tondo, Manila Friday night.

In a report to Manila Police District homicide section chief Senior Inspector Joselito de Ocampo, Senior Police Officer 2 Ronald Gallo said Marlon Espinar, 25, died on the spot after he reportedly shot it out with MPD Station 2 commander Superintendent Ernesto Tendero and his men.

Espinar’s companion was able to escape.

Prior to the shootout, Maribeth Dumawit, 35, was robbed while waiting for a ride at the corner of Claro M. Recto and Abad Santos streets. Tendero and his men passed by right after the robbery, and Dumawit asked for their help.

She said one of the robbers wore a green t-shirt, while the other wore a black tank top. Dumawit also pointed the direction the robbers walked.

Tendero and his team spotted the two men. When they tried to approach the suspects, one of them – later identified as Espinar – pulled out a handgun and shot at the lawmen, who retaliated.

Police officers recovered Dumawit’s shoulder bag and its contents from Espinar’s person, as well as a .38 caliber Armscor handgun.                                      –