Two alleged robbers killed in Davao City shootout


DAVAO CITY – Two suspected robbers who also sold drugs were killed in a shootout with police officers in Barangay 2-A in the Bangkerohan area here on early Saturday.

Davao City Police spokesperson Senior Inspector Maria Teresita Gaspan identified the suspects as an alias Dodoy Taba and a Jessie Moran, 18.

Gaspan said that at around 1:40 a.m. Saturday, members of the San Pedro Police Station conducted a drug buy-bust at the La Suerte Videoke Bar on Piton St. but the suspects sensed they were dealing with undercover policemen.

Police said Taba drew a .38 caliber revolver and fired at the policemen but missed. The police officers then returned fire, killing him on the spot.

Meanwhile, Moran, fled from the bar and was chased by the police officers. Police said he was shot dead as he traded shots with the pursuing officers using an improvised shotgun or “sumpak.”

Gaspan said further investigation showed that Taba and Moran were behind the series of robbery incidents at the Bangkerohan area and were also members of the “Akyat-Bahay Gang” of thieves.

Seized from Taba were a .38 caliber revolver without serial numbers and loaded with four bullets, four sachets of suspected dried marijuana leaves, a coin purse with P320 in cash, a razor blade and a pair of earrings.

Recovered from Moran meanwhile were the improvised shotgun with a spent cartridge. Also taken from him was a blue shoulder bag containing assorted women’s personal belongings, police said. /muf