Cops kill ‘toughie’ in Pasay

MANILA, Philippines - A 23-year-old man, reportedly a known neighborhood toughie, was killed in an alleged shootout with police officers in Pasay City before dawn yesterday.

A police team led by Senior Inspector Maynard Pascual was patrolling in Barangay 1665 when they spotted Allan Barata, who was riding a bicycle, at around 1:30 a.m., said city police chief Senior Superintendent Joel Doria.

He said Barata – a suspected robber and member of the Batang City Jail gang – was with a companion who was riding another bicycle. The two men sped away when the police officers approached.

After a short chase, the police officers cornered Barata, who pulled out a folding knife and tried to stab the lawmen, Doria said.

Barata then pulled out a .22 caliber pistol and aimed it at the police officers. Some of the police officers grappled with Barata for the gun while others shot Barata in the abdomen and thigh, Doria claimed.

Barata died at the scene. Police officers confiscated two folding knives, two sachets said to contain shabu and the pistol loaded with five bullets, he said.

Also recovered at the scene were three 9mm shells and a deformed slug from an unknown caliber.