Wednesday, May 24, 2006
'Holdupper' killed in Obrero shootout
By Rex C. Otero
Sun.Star SuperBalita
A SUSPECTED holdupper believed to be connected with two notorious criminal groups was killed in a shootout with the authorities in Davao City Monday evening.
Rey Elmer Gasco, resident of Bagumbayan, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, was killed by operatives of the Sta. Ana Police inside the Jones Cafe along Palma Gil Street in Barrio Obrero this city.
The suspect is believed connected with the Estribor and Kuratong Baleleng robbery and holdup groups that were allegedly involved in the series of robbery holdups of moneychangers in Bajada and Ilustre.
Police further believe Gasco is linked with a gunrunning syndicate and a gun-for-hire.
It was not clear, however, whether Gasco has a warrant of arrest for any crime.
PO3 Danilo Daquigan of the Sta. Ana Police said the shootout happened around 8 in the evening. He said they received a tip on the presence of Gasco at the food place. They followed the tip and saw Gasco drinking alone in the cafe.
When accosted by the police, Gasco reportedly pulled out his gun.
Despite being hit, the suspect still managed to fire his gun hitting an 11-year-old boy who was then playing computer at that time.
The boy, Ronald Santos who is from Buhangin, was hit on the foot but was declared out of danger by the doctors.
Authorities were forced to pump more bullets on the suspect killing him on the spot.
Recovered from Gasco were a .45 caliber pistol, magazines with live bullets, a cellular phone, identification cards, and a motorcycle.
One of the identification cards was that of the Military Intelligence Group issued to Gasco.
Unconfirmed reports claimed that someone connected with the government owns the motorcycle used by Gasco.
The suspect's body was brought to the Patalinghug Funeral Parlor.
Daquigan said they are conducting further investigation on the incident.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (May 24, 2006 issue)
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