3 cops axed for pedicab driver’s slay

MANILA, Philippines - A police precinct commander and three of his men were relieved yesterday over the killing of a pedicab driver in Pasay City last Tuesday.

Senior Inspector Oscar Pagulayan Jr. and Police Officers 1 Benigno Baladja, Melford Olorosisimo and Jan Erein Isaac of the police community precinct in Tramo were ordered reassigned to the Southern Police District (SPD) headquarters.

The three policemen were named in a complaint filed before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for allegedly killing Eric Sison, a pedicab driver they suspected to be a drug pusher, while he pleaded for his life.

SPD director Senior Superintendent Tomas Apolinario said the three policemen are facing summary dismissal from the service.

“We would be taking care of the administrative liability of Pagulayan and his men while the NBI would take cognizance of their criminal liability,” said Chief Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

“We will not allow wrongdoing by our men in the field. This incident negates the positive response of the public to our successful anti-drug campaign,” he added.

The Commission on Human Rights and the National Police Commission would conduct separate investigations into Sison’s death.

Sison reportedly fought back as the policemen chased him until he was cornered in a shanty where he attempted to hide.

Witnesses said Sison was pleading for his life when he was shot several times by the policemen.

There were also reports that Sison was not armed when he was cornered by the lawmen.

The anti-drug campaign of the police continued as 17 suspected drug offenders were arrested by the Quezon City police in separate operations since Wednesday.

Suspected vigilante groups, however, joined in the fight against illegal drugs in killing a suspected pusher in Quezon City.

Police said they found the body of an unidentified man hogtied and with his head wrapped in packing tape along North Zuzuarregi street, Barangay Old Balara.

On the other hand, a jeepney barker was shot dead by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Pasig City early yesterday.

The victim, William Trinidad died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds.

Police said Trinidad is included in the watchlist of known drug personalities in the city and is also involved in several petty crimes.

A 16-year-old was also killed by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Pasig City.

Police said Joe Amadeo was shot while watching television with his relative in San Sebastian Ville, Nagpayong, Barangay Pinagbuhatan.

The gunmen were reportedly wearing bonnets covering their faces. They barged into the house and shot Amadeo several times before fleeing.

Amadeo is a reportedly known drug pusher operating in Pinagbuhatan, police said.

In Malabon City, a suspected drug pusher was killed in a shootout with policemen late Wednesday.

Police said Arman Vergara was killed while shooting it out with policemen in Barangay Panghulo.

Vergara reportedly sensed his buyer was a police officer when he drew his handgun, triggering the firefight.

In Caloocan City, Adonis Pagoda was slain in a shootout with the police after a drug sting on Sabalo street, Barangay 12.

Pagoda reportedly took the money and went home.

Sensing that the police followed him, Pagoda reportedly fired at the approaching lawmen.

A certain Adonis dela Rosa was killed when he tried to shoot it out with policemen during a drug sting in Dagat-Dagatan, Caloocan City before midnight Wednesday. – With Rey Galupo, Romina Cabrera