Businesswoman killed in public market robbery in Tagum City

TAGUM CITY, Philippines—A 50-year-old businesswoman was killed during a robbery at the public market here early Wednesday, police said.

Corcodia Batolanan Pante died of two gunshot wounds in the body after she was shot by one of two robbers outside her used-clothing store in Barangay (village) Magugpo West at 7:20 a.m., Superintendent Glenn Cristenes, operations chief of Davao del Norte police office, said.

Mayor Rey Uy immediately ordered the Tagum City police to ensure the arrest of suspects.

Pante’s killing was the latest in the spate of robberies in the province. Last Monday, an 8-year-old girl was hurt when armed men on two motorcycles fired their guns after pulling off a heist in New Corella town. Six people who were waiting for a jeepney ride to Tagum City were robbed.

A salesman for a leading liquor brand was also robbed of P10,000 in collections at the nearby Sto. Tomas town the same day.

According to Crisante, Pante was tending her business when an unidentified man approached and pointed a gun at her and then declared the holdup. Pante refused to hand over her cash and valuables and was shot twice in the body, Cristenes told the Inquirer in a text message.

The assailant then walked to a waiting motorcycle, but an Army man, who happened to be in the area, tried to apprehend the suspect by firing his gun at him, causing a brief firefight.

Crisante said the robber was wounded but still managed to escape on board the motorcycle driven by an accomplice.

“Pursuit operations were immediately conducted by personnel of Tagum police,” Crisante said.

The amount of cash and the worth of valuables taken from Pante were still being determined by the police.