Police and Robber Dead in QC Robbery-Shootout
MANILA, Philippines — A police officer and an armed robber lost their lives in a violent robbery-shootout that unfolded early Monday morning in Quezon City. The incident also left a vendor and a bystander wounded near the corner of Katuparan and Katipunan Streets in Barangay Commonwealth.
According to local authorities, the robbery escalated around 2:30 a.m. when the suspect robbed a vendor and shot him in the left shoulder. A stray bullet fragment also injured a nearby bystander during the confrontation.
Gunfire Draws Police’s Immediate Response
The gunshots alerted two police officers assigned at the Benigno Aquino Elementary School. Patrolman Curtney Baggay was approached by the suspect, who told him, “Dun tumakbo.” Suddenly, Patrolman Robert Gregorio saw the suspect brandish a firearm and shoot Baggay.
Despite his injury, Pat. Baggay managed to fire back, striking the suspect, while Pat. Gregorio also returned fire to neutralize the threat. Sadly, Pat. Baggay was declared dead at approximately 3:38 a.m.
Victims and Investigation Details
The vendor wounded in the incident was identified as Fernando Taguinod, 59, while the bystander injured was 23-year-old Irah Solangon. Both were immediately rushed to medical facilities; Taguinod to East Avenue Medical Center and Solangon to Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital.
Authorities described the suspect as a man between 25 to 35 years old, dressed in a black t-shirt, black jogging pants, and black slippers. Police have yet to confirm his identity. A .9mm caliber pistol was recovered from the scene.
The case is now under the jurisdiction of the Quezon City Police District Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit. Crime scene operatives are reviewing CCTV footage and processing evidence to gather further details.
Police Honors Fallen Officer
In a statement, local police expressed their deepest condolences to the family of Patrolman Baggay, calling him a hero who bravely sacrificed his life in service to the community. “Pat. Baggay is a hero to all of us, a very brave and committed cop who did not hesitate to give his life in the name of the service,” they said.
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