Suspected thief killed in shootout with Marikina police

MANILA, Philippines — An 18-year-old robbery suspect was killed in Barangay Malanday, Marikina City, on Sunday after he allegedly shot at policemen pursuing him.

Jambeel Dasmariñas, whom the police said was a thief who had been in and out of jail, died at 3:20 a.m. at Jocson corner Narra Streets, a creekside area he allegedly used as a hideout.

According to a police report, a “concerned citizen” alerted authorities earlier that night to Dasmariñas’ presence in Barangay Sto. Niño, after he allegedly tried to burglarize a house on Oval Street.

A barking dog, however, scared Dasmariñas off.

Policemen were sent to the area, where they spotted a suspect who matched the description the caller had given of the alleged burglar.

The report said Dasmariñas fled but was chased by the police to his supposed hideout, where he allegedly began shooting at them.

Pat. Julius Alfred Almazan, who was closest to the teenager, “fired back to prevent and repel the unlawful aggression, which resulted [in] the death of the suspect.”

A .38-caliber firearm and drug paraphernalia were recovered from the scene, the report added.

Col. Restituto Arcangel, the Marikina City police chief, told the Inquirer that Dasmariñas had been involved in at least four “akyat bahay” incidents and was jailed just last month for theft.