A policeman and a holdup suspect died in a foiled robbery at a convenience store in Parañaque City at midnight yesterday.
Senior Superintendent Jose Carumba, chief of Parañaque City Police, identified the fatalities as Chief Inspector Nelson Pagaduan, patrol supervisor of Pasay Police Community Precinct (PCP) 2; and suspected robber Freddie Palacay alias Fred, of Pasig City.
Initial investigation showed that Pagaduan was patrolling with two other police officers around 12 midnight when they passed by at a 7-11 convenience store along Pascor Drive, Imelda Avenue in Barangay Sto. Niño, Paranaque City, to buy food.
As he was about to enter the store, Pagaduan saw Palacay and his cohort, who were both armed with guns, at the counter.
“Bibili sana ‘yong pulis ng pagkain niya kaso nasaktuhan niya na nasa counter yung mga suspek at armado ng baril. Tinawag niya ngayon ‘yong grupo niya para rumesponde,” Carumba said.
Pagaduan and his team exchanged gunfire with the suspects until Palacay was killed.
However, Palacay’s cohort was able to shoot his way out of the store, hitting Pagaduan in the neck. Police ran after him but to no avail.
Pagaduan was rushed to Ospital ng Paranaque but expired an hour later, Carumba said.
No one was injured among the on duty store workers and customers, according to police official.
Meanwhile, Palacay’s sibling claimed that the slain suspect was a drug user but not a holdupper.
Police recovered from Palacay a .38-caliber gun, two sachets containing shabu, spent bullet shells and undetermined amount of cash.
Lawmen also found in front of the store a motorcycle reportedly used by the suspects.
Police are now conducting a follow-up investigation to identify and trace Palacay’s cohort. (Martin A. Sadongdong)