Man in Tejero tries to shoot poliemen, gets killed instead

CEBU, Philippines – An armed man died after he was shot by the police when he allegedly tried to shoot them first, yesterday in Barangay Tejero, Cebu City.

Operatives of the City Intelligence Branch were reportedly asking 34-year-old Jerben Rodriguez about his firearm when the latter allegedly pulled out the weapon and tried to shoot them.

According to Inspector Gomersendo Mandawe, deputy chief of CIB, their office first received a call from a concerned citizen about an armed person fixing a motorcycle at the roadside in Tejero.

Mandawe said the informant even warned them that the said armed person, who later turned out to be Rodriguez, was really violent and would not hesitate to gun down anyone.

Mandawe said they proceeded to the area and saw Rodriguez sitting on a motorcycle.

He reportedly approached the suspect and interrogated him about the firearm he was bringing after introducing themselves as policemen.

However, Rodriguez allegedly stepped away from Mandawe, immediately pulled out a gun from his waistline, and aimed the gun at them.

Mandawe said this prompted them to shoot Rodriguez.

“Amo na lang giunhan kay niaksyon man siya og pusil sa amoa. Lisod sad kaayo og maunhan mi,” he said.

Senior Police Officer 1 Ruth Violango of Homicide Section said Rodriguez was already lifeless when he was assessed by Cebu City Emergency Medical Services personnel.

Violango said Rodriguez sustained gunshot wounds on his neck, left shoulder, left chest and right side of the body.

Policemen confiscated from the suspect’s possession a .45 cal. pistol loaded with ammunition.

Mandawe said they received information that Rodriguez is a notorious robber and was also involved in the illegal drug trade and shooting incidents in the area.

The CIB official said they brought the motorcycle to verify if Rodriguez really owns it or it may have been also carnapped. —/NSA (FREEMAN)