Anticrime checkpoint nets 2 theft suspects

MANILA, Philippines–Two suspected motorcycle thieves were killed in a shoot-out in Taytay, Rizal, on Thursday morning after they refused to stop at a checkpoint authorities had put as part of an anticrime program called “Oplan Checkmate.”

Supt. Arthur Masungsong, Taytay police chief, identified the two men as Jake Buenaventura and Novie del Rosario.

Masungsong said that at around 2:30 a.m., Buenaventura and Del Rosario were on a red motorcycle with plate number NI5551 when they were flagged down by policemen manning a checkpoint on Velasquez Street in Barangay San Juan.

The checkpoint had been set up in the area as part of Oplan Checkmate which is aimed at curbing crimes carried out by motorcycle-riding men.

“But instead of stopping, the two men sped away, prompting the policemen to go after them,” Masungsong said.

During the chase, one of the motorcycle riders took out a gun and fired at the police, leading to a shoot-out which resulted in both men’s death.

Police later recovered two .38 cal. pistols from them.

A progress report submitted to Masungsong showed that the motorcycle used by the two men was stolen on Jan. 31.

The owner of the vehicle, Randy Espiritu, later positively identified Buenaventura as the one who stole his motorcycle in Barangay San Juan, according to the report.

A check also showed that the two men were involved in a series of motorcycle thefts and drug-related activities in the municipality.