Theft suspect hurt in shootout with cops

A man who allegedly broke into a house and took assorted jewelry worth at least P1 million was wounded after he shot it out with policemen who tried to arrest him in barangay Poblacion Oriental, Consolacion town, northern Cebu.

Police said it was Allan Ibalan, 36, a native of Bohol province, who fired the first shot.

Police returned fire and hit Ibalan in the hip.

Abel Maglasang, caretaker of the house owned by his uncle, called the police when he noticed that someone was inside the house past 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Maglasang’s uncle is already living in the US, police said.

Maglasang said he tried to open the door but it was locked.

Police said a chain was used to lock the door.

Maglasang said he peeped through the door and saw the things inside in disarray.

Maglasang called the police when he noticed that someone was inside.

Policemen arrived and urged the man who was later identified as Ibalan to come out of the house.

Police said Ibalan tried to escape by climbing a fence at the back of the house. Police gave chase but Ibalan allegedly shot at them.

Police returned fire and eventually cornered Ibalan when he fell to the ground with a gunshot wound in the hip.

Police recovered pieces of jewelry, a nylon rope, a knife and two loaded .38 caliber revolvers from Ibalan’s possession.

Ibalan was taken to a Cebu City hospital for treatment.

Charges for robbery with force upon things and violation of the election gun ban will be filed against Ibalan, who is detained at the Consolacion police station.