'Dead' rob suspect tries to flee from cops

MANILA, Philippines - A suspected robber who was thought to have died from bullet wounds following a shooting at the Quezon Bridge in Quiapo, Manila yesterday morning surprised police officers and journalists by rising up and trying to run away from the crime scene.

Police officers restrained the man and rushed him to the Philippine General Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

The still unidentified man was described to be between 35 and 40 years old; at least 5’3” tall; and with different tattoos on his body, the most prominent of which is the “Jhon Oslec” tattoo on his neck.

Police Officer 3 Rommel del Rosario said an improvised gun was recovered from the suspect.

According to a report, policemen from the Plaza Lawton police community precinct, led by Inspector Rommel Geneblazo, were patrolling the Quezon Bridge at around 5 a.m. when they spotted a man acting suspiciously. As a precaution, they ordered the man to stop for a routine inspection. However, the man reportedly pulled out a gun and pointed it at the approaching lawmen. Police officers fired their guns before the suspect could pull the trigger.

Ermita police station chief Superintendent Jose Hidalgo Jr. had directed his men to conduct repressive patrol along Plaza Lawton, especially on Quezon Bridge, following reports of rampant robberies in the area.

Geneblazo and his men submitted their respective firearms to the Manila Police District’s Scene of the Crime Office for ballistic tests.