Money changer, 2 robbers killed in heist

CABANATUAN CITY -- A money changer shop owner, along with two holdup men, were killed while one was wounded and another cohort escaped during a daring afternoon heist at the public market here on Wednesday.

Reports said the owner of B.L. pawnshop and money changer, identified as Ben Puyat was allegedly killed by the robbers after being shot point blank when he tried to resist the robbery.

The incident occurred around 1:15 p.m. in the vicinity of the city public market on Burgos Ave. here.

Two of the suspects allegedly posed as customers and tried to pawn a five-carat ring.

But once inside the counter, they poked a gun at Puyat and immediately announced a heist.

Puyat reportedly tried to fight back and reached for his gun inside a drawer but was immediately shot by the suspect.

Reports said Puyat’s nephew, who was inside the booth, tried to help out and took the gun and fired back, hitting three of the suspects.

As of presstime yesterday, police were still checking the identities of the two slain robbers, who reportedly residents of Bgy. Amulong, Cagayan province.

A wounded suspect, Jose Montilla, was taken to the Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center here for treatment.

Reports also said that the alleged leader of the gang was identified as one alias Alvin, of Bgy. Dolores, Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija.

He allegedly escaped by commandeering a tricycle, which was later recovered by pursuing lawmen. A cal. 9 mm pistol, believed left by the suspect was also found inside the abandoned tricycle.

Police were still investigating the incident.

The robbery was the second to occur within a span of one week in this city.

A water district manager in Jaen, Nueva Ecija and his wife were also robbed of P600,000 in front of the Vicenticos restaurant in Del Pilar St. here after withdrawing money from the Land Bank of the Philippines-Gabaldon Street branch.