Parents, beware of the next time you go to a mall. A man was killed in a Divisoria shooting last Saturday afternoon, March 3.
Two gunmen shot and killed a stall owner, identified as Edilberto Pernobe, at the second floor of the 999 Mall in Divisoria at 2 pm, according to a report from the Manila Police District (MPD) Station 11.
His wife, Theresa, was wounded by a stray bullet following the Divisoria shooting. She was immediately rushed to the hospital.
Divisoria shooting takes a life
A witness said Pernobe was in his stall at the 999 Mall when the gunmen shot him in the head. The 60-year-old Tondo-native sustained fatal injuries to the head and the body, causing his death.
Local police are still looking for the unidentified gunmen. The assailants were caught on CCTV but authorities could not immediately identify them. They were wearing face masks, ball caps, and sunglasses.
Manila Police Department Spokesperson PSupt. Erwin Margarejo said they are investigating how the gunmen were able to bring a gun inside without alerting security.
"Considering na merong sariling security yung 999 Mall, iimbestigahan natin kung papaano nakalusot 'yung baril doon sa loob," he said.
Divisoria shooting assailants still at large
The Divisoria shooting caused panic in the mall, as shoppers ran for safety after hearing gunshots. The 999 Shopping Mall was temporarily closed to the public immediately following the incident.
Security officers from the Dura Lex Security Agency immediately put the mall on lockdown and forbade shoppers from leaving the mall. This was all part of their security protocol in an effort to prevent the assailants’ escape.
They then escorted customers and employees out of the premises by 3 pm. By 4 pm, the doors to the mall were fully opened.
Authorities recovered three bullet shells from a .45 cal. pistol at the crime scene.
Sources: Philippine Daily Inquirer, CNN, Manila Bulletin, MSN News
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