‘Motorcycle thief’ slain

COTABATO CITY , Philippines — A man suspected to have stolen 31 motorcycles since 2021 was killed in an alleged shootout with police in Pagadian City before dawn yesterday.

The suspect, identified as John Rick Ondoy, died at the scene of the incident that occurred in Barangay Kawit, according to a statement issued by the Pagadian City police.

Ondoy was reportedly caught by villagers stealing a motorcycle parked along Muricay Road.

Villagers sought the help of the police, who pursued and caught up with the suspect in Barangay Kawit.

Instead of giving himself up, Ondoy allegedly drew his gun, triggering a shootout that resulted in his death.

Barangay officials and people close to Ondoy told police that he had stolen several motorcycles, which the suspects reportedly sold outside Pagadian.