
Marbil cites 2 wounded cops in Las Piñas shooting
TWO members of the Las Piñas City Police Station Tactical Motorcycle Riding Unit who were wounded in a gunfight with a fleeing robber on Thursday afternoon were cited for their bravery in the line of duty by Philippine National Police chief General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil.
The top cop and National Capital Region Police Office director, Major Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez also said that the quick reaction of the two policemen effectively prevented the effort of the armed suspect to escape.
A report from the Southern Police District said that Police Master Sergeants Avelino Lopez and Warren Bong Panton both suffered gunshot wounds in the leg and were taken to the Las Piñas Doctors Hospital where they were listed in stable condition after undergoing treatment.
The two motorcycle-borne patrollers immediately responded to a robbery incident at the Olivarez Guevarra Subdivision in Barangay Manuyo Dos which was reported by the victim himself to the local police.
An investigation showed that the suspect entered the compound of the victim by scaling its wall. However, he was met by the house owner who was armed with a 9mm semi-automatic pistol.
During their confrontation, the suspect managed to overpower the victim and stole his gun before fleeing on foot.
Undaunted, the victim immediately called the local police station who sent the patrolling TMRU personnel to the area who eventually caught up with the suspect.
The unidentified thief was about to be accosted when he opened fire at the officers before he was shot dead. \
Hours after the encounter, Gen. Marbil and Local Government Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. visited the two wounded policemen in their hospital room and awarded them the PNP Wounded Personnel Medal for their feat citing their extraordinary courage in the face of grave danger.
Maj. Gen. Nartatez also commended the swift action and gallantry demonstrated..