Cop kills holdup suspect

CAMP ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan — A suspected holdupper was killed while two of his companions were seriously wounded by a police officer in a shootout on board the air conditioned passenger bus they were trying to hold up.

The bus conductor was accidentally shot in the crossfire between the police officer and the suspects.

Police authorities were not able to identify the suspect who was killed as of press time. The wounded suspects were identified as William Reques, 27, of Sapang Palay, San Jose del Monte City; and Marvel Cana, 23, of Pasong Tamo, Makati City, who was able to flee but was later collared by police operatives in a follow-up operation.

The conductor of the Genesis Transport bus who was accidentally shot was identified as Aniceto Campaner, 27.

It was learned that at around 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, four persons on board the bus announced a hold-up, unaware that PO1 Rogelio Rodriguez of San Fernando, Pampanga was also on board.

While the bus was traveling the stretch of the North Luzon Expressway in Bocaue town, Rodriguez pulled out his service firearm and fired at the suspects who returned fire.

Police investigators recovered two .38 caliber revolvers, five spent shells, a .45 caliber slug and a 12-inch kitchen knife from the bus.

Follow-up operations are still being conducted by the police to arrest another suspect, identified only as "Abet," who reportedly leads the Escote Group victimizing passenger buses in Central Luzon. — James Mananghaya