3 dead in jewel store robbery

Two of six suspected members of the dreaded “Martilyo Gang” were killed in a shootout with Manila policemen while another was arrested after they pulled a heist at a jewelry store.

The suspects also gunned down a security guard who tried to stop them from fleeing with their loot Thursday afternoon.

Four others were also injured after the fleeing robbers threw a hand grenade to facilitate their escape.

Casualty

Manila Police District (MPD) Meisic station 11 commander Superintendent Ferdinand Quirante identified the slain security guard as Danny Orde, 48, detailed at a budget hotel beside the jewelry store. One of the slain suspects was identified as Allan Macatimbel, a security guard, while the other fatality remained unidentified.

Macatimbel was killed on the spot while his companion was declared dead on arrival by attending doctors at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center from multiple bullet wounds in the body.

The arrested suspect was identified as Basir Basilon, 30, of Bicutan, Taguig City, who was nabbed by policemen of MPD Sta. Cruz Station 3.

Quirante said the incident happened at around 4:15 p.m. Thursday at The Sisters Jewelry Store and General Merchandise along C.M. Recto Avenue in Binondo.

Ransacked

Before the incident, six men carrying large bags entered the jewelry store and declared a heist, brandishing handguns and proceeding to ransack the glass display cases of jewelry.

Orde fired at the fleeing men but missed. One of the suspects then turned back and fired at the guard, killing him on the spot.

The slight delay enabled responding policemen to catch up with the fleeing suspects, who hurled a grenade while they traded shots with operatives of MPD Station 11 and Station 3 and members of the MPD Special Weapons and Tactics.

Shrapnel from the lobbed grenade hit two women passersby.

The slain suspects’ companions were able to escape with the stolen jewelry.

Quirante said policemen were conducting follow-up operations.