2 ‘robbers’ killed in police shootout
CEBU, Philippines — Two alleged robbers were killed while one was arrested after shooting it out with the responding policemen past midnight on Wednesday in Barangay Maguikay, Mandaue City.
Police said they have yet to ascertain the identity of those who were killed because of the several identification cards recovered in their possession. The suspect who was caught alive was identified as Arjie Sumatra, 24. He told the police that his cohorts were from Mindanao.
"Marami po silang mga identification pero Cheni-check pa natin kung sino ba talaga sila kasi maraming IDs sa ibat-ibang pangalan," said Police Captain Troijan Lalamunan.
Lalamunan said the police were on a routine patrol when their attention was called by a woman crying for help. The woman identified as Johnlyn Collano was walking along the road when the suspects, on board a motorcycle, grabbed her shoulder bag.
"Ang nangyari is itong biktima ay hinold-up, nilapitan ng tatlong tao. Yung isang sakay bumaba at kinukuha yung gamit ng babae," Lalamunan told The Freeman.
The victim screamed for help alerting the police officers in the area.
"Nakuha po nya ang attention nitong mga PNP personnel na malapit sa area," Lalamunan said.
The police personnel immediately responded but they were allegedly fired upon by the suspects prompting them to return fire.
"Pagkaputok nung mga hold-uppers doon sa mga police natin, nag retaliate ang mga police natin," Lalamunan said.
Upon seeing his two companions already fell on the ground, Sumatra reportedly picked up the gun of his fallen cohort and ran away while exchanging gunfire with the law enforcers. It took a while before the police were able to arrest him.
"Medyo tumagal pa ng ilang minuto bago namin sya nakuha," Lalamunan said. (FREEMAN)
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