A robbery-holdup suspect was killed in a shootout with arresting police officers in Ermita, Manila, before dawn yesterday.
Police said the suspect was identified as alias “Andak,” about 30 years old, 4’10” tall, and wearing a blue shirt and camouflage shorts.
PO3 Michael Maraggun of the Manila Police District (MPD) Crimes Against Persons Investigation Section said that prior to the incident, a certain Mary Joy Pedrina reported to Lawton Police Community Precinct that a man took her handbag at gunpoint while she was waiting for a passenger jeepney in Ermita.
At the station, Pedrina positively identified “Andak” through the police records and photographs.
Authorities conducted follow-up operations and spotted the suspect on Muelle del Rio Street at about 1:45 a.m.
Instead of surrendering, “Andak” fired shots at the cops who retaliated, hitting him in the body.
Pedrina arrived at the place of the incident and confirmed that it was the same man who took her bag.
Authorities also recovered from “Andak” Pedrina’s bag containing thousands of worth of personal belongings.
(Jaimie Rose R. Aberia)
