2 robbery-holdup suspects killed in shoot-out with Ecija cops

SAN JOSE CITY, Nueva Ecija – Two suspected hold-uppers who were believed behind the string of robbery-holdup incidents in northern Nueva Ecija victimizing businessman and collection agents were killed following a shoot-out with Nueva Ecija lawmen in this city Wednesday afternoon, police said.

        Senior Superintendent Crizaldo Nieves, provincial police director, identified those slain as Mark Popera of Cagayan De Oro City, and presently residing at Brgy. Cabucbucan, Rizal, Nueva Ecija and Jimboy Alayaay, of Siquijor province.

        They both died-on-the-spot from gunshot wounds.

        Nieves said the duo were responsible for the series of robbery-hold up incidents in San Jose City and in the municipalities of Llanera and Rizal, victimizing collection agents, delivery trucks, lending agents of Indian nationals and traders along the national highway.

        The suspects were also tagged for the robbery hold-up incident on November 26, 2014, at Purok 2, Barangay Porais here.

       The shoot-out broke out at around 4:25 pm Wednesday along the provincial road in Barangay Villa Joson here when joint operatives of the 3^rd mobile platoon of the provincial public safety company led by platoon leader Senior Inspector Alexander Reyes and the San Jose City police led by Inspector June Sugay encountered the duo who were boarded on an unlicensed blue motorcycle after they just held up a sales agent and delivery truck driver and helper.

       Police Superintendent Manuel Hidalgo, city police chief, identified the victims as Danilo Bejica, San Miguel Corp. Sales agent and driver/helper Melfer Nening of Barangay Caridad Norte, Llanera.

       The victims then sought the assistance of the patrolling lawmen who established a checkpoint along the highway where they came across the suspects. But instead of surrendering, the suspects fired at the lawmen, triggering the firefight which led to the suspects’ death.

        Recovered from the suspects were one caliber .45 Remington revolver, one  magazine, one caliber .38 pistol with three empty shells and two live ammunitions.      

        Also recovered were four fired shells from M-16 Armalite rifle, three fired shells from a caliber .9mm pistol and three empty shells from a calibre 45, one pouch containing seven pieces of caliber .38 revolvers, P2,520 in cash and paraphernalia. – Manny Galvez