Robbery suspect dead, 2 cops hurt in Las Piñas shootout

MANILA, Philippines — A robbery suspect was killed after shooting back at two cops who sustained gunshot wounds during an encounter in Las Piñas City, authorities said on Friday.

The still unidentified suspect robbed a resident of Olivarez Guevarra Subdivision in Barangay Manuyo Dos, according to Metro Manila police district chief Police Major General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

“The suspect entered the victim’s compound by scaling a wall, where he encountered the victim and physically assaulted him,” Nartatez said in a statement.

“During the altercation, the suspect seized the victim’s 9mm Parabellum pistol, fleeing the scene on foot,” he added.

READ: Cops kill 2 drug suspects in Las Piñas bust; recover P210.8-M ‘shabu’

The victim then sought the assistance of patrolling police personnel from the Tactical Motorcycle Riding Unit (TMRU) of Las Piñas City police.

“A pursuit ensued, TMRU personnel located and engaged the fleeing suspect. The unidentified male suspect who attempted to evade arrest by opening fire, was subsequently neutralized by the responding officers,” he said.

However, responding officers Police Master Sergeant Avelino Lopez and Police Master Sergeant Warren Bong Panton sustained leg wounds.

Lopez and Panton each received a Medal of Valor, Medal of Merit, and Philippine National Police Wounded Medal from Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. together with PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil and Nartatez.— Moss R. Laygo, INQUIRER.net, intern