Messenger dead, 2 others hurt in heist

MANILA, Philippines - Two motorcycle-riding robbers killed a messenger and wounded two others in a heist at a construction supply shop in Quezon City yesterday morning.

Messenger Eltimar Pablo, 32, died of a gunshot wound in the nape following the robbery at the Monfort Construction Supply on Commonwealth Avenue at past 9 a.m., said investigator Senior Police Officer 1 George Solitario of the Quezon City Police District.

Solitario said shop manager Edward Go, 42, was hit in the right armpit by a stray bullet while his secretary Maribel Subiono, 28, was hit in the right arm. Both were treated at the Malvar General Hospital.

Pablo went to the construction supply shop to make some transactions and pay Go, Solitario said.

One of the robbers then walked up behind the messenger and shot him in the nape, after which the gunman seized a sling bag containing an undetermined amount of cash.

The gunman boarded the motorcycle driven by his companion and fled the scene, Solitario said.