PSG member shot dead in Tondo

MANILA, Philippines - Three men shot dead a member of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and his helper in Tondo, Manila at dawn yesterday.

Police Officer 2 Gabriel Gabriel, 26, and his helper Crisanto Giovanni Lozano were declared dead on arrival at the Mary Johnston Hospital.

Initial investigation showed that Gabriel and Lozano were eating at a carinderia along Moriones street when the suspects arrived at around 2 a.m.

Witnesses said the suspects accused Lozano of looking for a fight since his stare was intimidating.

An argument ensued between Lozano and the suspects.

Gabriel tried to pacify them. But the suspects pulled out their guns and shot the victims repeatedly.

Kevin Lloyd Pascual, 21, a cell phone technician, was hurt after being hit by stray bullets.

The suspects fled on a motorcycle.

Manila Police District homicide unit chief Rommel Anicete said they have identified the assailants who were caught on a closed-circuit television footage.

Anicete, however, refused to divulge their names to media so as not to preempt their arrest.