Robber killed in QC shootout

MANILA, Philippines - Police gunned down one of two robbers who snatched the bag of an off-duty female security guard in Quezon City Friday night.

Investigators have yet to identify the suspect who died on the spot following a shootout along Kagawad Road in Barangay Batasan Hills at around 9:40 p.m.

Case investigator Police Officer 2 Anthony Tejerero described the suspect as a fair-skinned man, of medium build and 5’5” in height.

The suspect was clad in black shirt and jeans, and had tattoos of “Vangie Frond Jimmy,” “Alex,” and “Sputnik” on his back.

Tejerero said the victim, Melinda Librado, 50, got back her brown shoulder bag, which the suspect and his cohort snatched from her prior to the encounter.

The other suspect remains at-large.

Initial investigation showed that Librado was waiting for a ride at the corner of Litex Road and Commonwealth Avenue on her way home to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan when two men on a motorcycle stopped in front of her.

The suspects pulled out their guns and ordered the victim to yield her bag, police said.

Tejerero said Librado initially refused but the back rider of the motorcycle hit her shoulder with his gun, forcing her to let go.

The robbers then sped off, prompting the victim to report the incident to patrolling policemen.

After checking the police rogues gallery at the Batasan police station, the victim and a team of policemen scoured the area of IBP Road where the suspects were spotted but to no avail.

Policemen patrolling along Kagawad Road chanced upon two men on a motorcycle and flagged them down.

Instead of heeding the order, Tejerero said the suspects fired shots at the lawmen, prompting the latter to return fire, killing one of the robbers.

Librado’s bag containing cash and identification cards was recovered near the slain suspect’s body, as well as a .45 caliber pistol.