Cabbie shoots passenger who tried to rob him

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged robber was shot and injured by a taxi driver whom he and a companion reportedly tried to rob in Barangay Candulawan, Minglanilla at nearly 4 pm last Friday.

Raymond Palma, a native of Ormoc, Leyte who temporarily lives in Barangay Kamagayan, Cebu City sustained at least four gunshot wounds in the body while his alleged cohort, a certain Ronald, of Barangay Pardo, Cebu City, managed to escape.

SPO1 Renato Masangcay, alert team leader of Minglanilla Police, said that the suspects flagged down Ken Taxi in Cebu City and asked the driver, Armando Erocido, to be transported to Minglanilla.

Palma was seated beside the driver while Ronald at the back.

“Wala g’yud sila’y specific nga giingun kung asa pero diha na sa Minglanilla, niingon nga magpahatud sa Cadulawan,” Masangcay said.

Upon reaching Cadulawan, Ronald aimed a handgun at Erocido from behind while demanding for his P500 proceeds.

The driver, Masangcay said, managed to tie the seatbelt to Ronald’s arm and grabbed the gun.

“Nabuhian na ang armas unya nimaneho na siya (Ronald) ug dagan gawas sa sakyanan while kining usa (Palma) uncooperative sa tulis,” Masangcay said.

Palma followed Ronald but Erocido shot him.

Palma was taken to Minganilla District Hospital and was later referred to Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City for immediate medical attention as his condition was reportedly critical.

The suspect expressed surprise as he allegedly did not know of his companion’s plan. He said that they were supposed to visit a friend in Minglanilla.

“Uncooperative siya kay wala g’yud kuno siya kahibalo nga manulis diay sila. Nakalitan siya,” the police officer said.

The cash and firearm were no longer recovered.

Police said they are just waiting for Palma’s family to appear at the police station for the possible filing of charges against Erocida while they are set to file robbery charges against the two suspects.  (FREEMAN)