2 dead in Tarlac bus robbery

TARLAC—A man and his son-in-law were shot and killed on Tuesday by a man who tried to rob bus passengers in Moncada town in Tarlac province, police said.

The suspect, Reynald de la Cruz, 35, was arrested by villagers when he tried to escape after he shot to death  Carlos Almuete, 68, and his son-in-law, Jeckson Ibañez, 25, both bus passengers.

The victims fought De la Cruz, who declared a holdup  around  1 p.m., said Chief Insp. Gerald Licyayo, Moncada police chief.

The bus was bound for San Fernando City in La Union province from Mariveles town, Bataan province. The victims were residents of Barangay San Miguel in San Manuel town in Tarlac province.

Police said De la Cruz tried to flee by hijacking a motorcycle, after shooting and wounding its owner, Reynante Arcega.

Licyayo said De la Cruz also tried to shoot a farmer, who rushed to help Arcega, but the suspect’s 9-mm pistol ran out of bullets. The farmer defended himself by hacking and wounding De la Cruz. Gabriel Cardinoza, Inquirer Northern Luzon