2 dead, 2 hurt in Pasig market robbery

MANILA, Philippines - Two persons were killed and two others wounded in a robbery staged by three men at the Pasig City public market before noon yesterday.

The three robbers took P112,000 from victims Ruel Malimban and Jonathan Mariano at around 11:45 a.m. and tried to escape, but the commotion attracted the attention of police officers.

The robbers shot Malimban and Mariano, then started firing at the police officers, triggering a shootout. The two victims were declared dead on arrival at the Rizal Medical Center (RMC).

Bystanders Gibson Urban and Juanito Molina were hit by stray bullets. Urban was declared out of danger while Molina was listed as in critical condition at the RMC.

Pasig City police officer-in-charge Superintendent Alfredo Calamaan said suspect Rey Rufino was caught while his two companions escaped. Police officers recovered the P112,000 and a .45 caliber pistol from Rufino.