Man killed in Taguig shootout after trying to sell cop’s firearm

A man who allegedly stole and tried to sell a policeman’s firearm was killed in a shootout in Taguig City early on Friday, police said.

According to a spot report from the Southern Police District, Michael Jay “MJ” Dela Cruz was killed in a follow up operation by the Taguig City Police Community Precinct 3 at the boundaries of South Daang Hari and Bagumbayan villages at around 3:10 a.m.

Dela Cruz was allegedly selling a stolen gun in the area when he shot at policemen conducting a stakeout.

A brief chase ensued but policemen shot him in the head and chest, killing him instantly.

Dela Cruz allegedly stole the issued firearm of Police Officer 1 JC Mar Pahitong at the policeman’s boarding house at Lower Bicutan the previous day.

Pahitong came back from a run when he noticed his room was forcibly opened and could no longer find his gun, cellphone, and P7,800 cash.

He and his colleagues at the PCP 3 then investigated the incident and learned that a certain “MJ” (Dela Cruz), who had records of theft and drug use, was the suspect in the robbery.

Dela Cruz was an alleged member of the Carl Gonzales Group, a gang of burglars operating in Taguig and Parañaque cities. /vvp