Alleged carjacker slain, 2 wounded in shootout

MANILA, Philippines - An alleged member of the Bordado carjack ring died while two others were wounded in a reported shootout in Manila before dawn yesterday.

According to Manila Police District’s Anti-Carnapping Unit (MPD-ANCAR), police officers caught the suspects stealing a motorcycle near the intersection of Quirino and Taft Avenues.

The remains of Michael de Guzman, 27, were brought to Nathan Funeral Homes. Ogie Ramos, who was shot in the chest, was brought to Capitol Medical Center while Mark Davis, 31, was recuperating in Philippine General Hospital.

Senior Police Officer 3 Gerardo Rivera said they were on patrol when they saw the suspects stealing a Yamaha Mio from Nikko Mendoza, a fastfood joint manager, at around 2 a.m.

Mendoza said he was traversing Quirino Avenue when the suspects, riding two motorcycles, flagged him down at gunpoint.

“I did not stop the motorcycle. I sped away until I saw a barangay tanod. I gave him my motorcycle while I held on to the key,” he said.

The patrol team, meanwhile, were about to cross Quirino Avenue when they saw Mendoza and the suspects.

Rivera said he approached them but one of them shot at him, triggering a shootout that lasted several minutes until De Guzman was killed and Ramos escaped. Ramos was later tracked down to Capitol Medical Center.

MPD-ANCAR chief Inspector Rommel Geneblazo said the Bordado group takes its name from its members’ tattoos. The term is derived from the Spanish word for embroidered or decorated with needlework.

He said they operate along Quirino Avenue since they can easily escape from the area.

The group is also wanted for stealing the Yamaha Mio of Rachelle Espinosa last March 6.