Wanted man dies, 2 cops hurt in grenade blast

ILOILO CITY , Philippines — A man facing a string of criminal charges was killed after his own hand grenade exploded yesterday afternoon at Brgy. Fatima in Jaro district of this city.

Chief Insp. Gilbert Gorero, Jaro Police chief, identified the suspect as Gilby Prinsipe, a resident of Brgy. Iwa Macatol of Pototan town in Iloilo.

The blast also injured two policemen, PO3 Felix Mosquito and PO1 Christian Lava, who were released from the hospital after receiving treatment for minor wounds.

Gorero said policemen, manning a checkpoint in the area, saw a man on a motorcycle stopping some five meters from them. This prompted them to approach the latter for his registration and license, but they were surprised when the driver quickly fled the scene.

Six policemen gave chase until they caught up with Prinsipe at del Carmen Street where the latter tried to enter an apartment and hid in a comfort room.

The police negotiated for his surrender but Prinsipe replied that he had not done anything wrong. Minutes later, an explosion occurred. The suspect died on the spot while the two policemen were rushed to a nearby hospital.

The motorcycle registered owner, Julius Ilustricismo of Ajuy town in Iloilo, appeared at the police station to declare that his vehicle was lost.

Other items recovered from Prinsipe’s possession were P29,000 cash, .45-caliber pistol, three magazines loaded with ammos, a knife and mobile phone.

Investigators said the slain suspect had at least five arrest warrants for charges of robbery and theft. (FREEMAN)