A late-night rooftop burglary attempt in Binondo turned fatal Tuesday after a suspect was killed in a shootout with police and his alleged accomplice was taken into custody.
The incident unfolded at around 10:35 PM on August 25 when patrolling officers from Police Station 11 (Meisic) and the Juan Luna Police Community Precinct were alerted by a citizen who spotted two men scaling the upper floors of a local panciteria.
Responding officers caught the suspects in the act on the third floor of the commercial building.
Upon being confronted, one of the men fled toward an adjacent structure, prompting a foot chase involving police and local barangay tanods from Barangay 287.
The pursuit ended on the third floor of a nearby building, where the fleeing suspect allegedly pulled a gun and opened fire on the responding team.
Officers returned fire, critically wounding the gunman. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Authorities described the deceased suspect as a fair-complexioned man aged 40 to 43, reportedly affiliated with the Commando Gang.
His 41-year-old companion surrendered without resistance and remains under police custody.
No police officers or civilian responders were injured during the operation.
NCRPO chief Police Brig. Gen. Christopher N. Abrahano, Officer-in-Charge, praised the quick response of the personnel involved, noting that the officers acted proportionately when faced with a direct threat.
The case has been turned over to the Manila Police District (MPD) Homicide Division for further investigation and formal filing of charges.
