QCPD employee slain; drugs eyed

MANILA, Philippines — A non-uniformed personnel of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) was killed by unidentified assailants yesterday due to his alleged involvement in drugs.

Jose Ligawan, 35, was shot dead while manning his family’s store along Seminary Road in Barangay Bahay Toro at around 3:45 a.m.

Ligawan was a process server at the QCPD.

A witness told police that he saw two men fleeing the crime scene on foot after he was awakened by gunshots.

Ligawan died from multiple gunshots to the body at the Quezon City General Hospital.

He was relieved from his post at the Talipapa police station and reassigned to the District Headquarters Support Unit after he was named as one of the QCPD personnel allegedly involved in illegal drugs last year. 

QCPD director Chief Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar said they have not received reports of Ligawan’s involvement in drugs.

In Sta. Ana, Manila, three suspected drug pushers were arrested by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation task force against illegal drugs.

They were Edilberto Asis, 54; Ivan Chester Lozada, 35, and Jose Palevino, 34, all of Tenement Building in Barangay 901.

Authorities said they recovered sachets of shabu, drug paraphernalia, a .45-caliber revolver and a  9mm pistol from the three.

 The suspects are being held by the NBI on charges of violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

In Malabon, police arrested 55 people, including a drug suspect, during separate anti-crime operations over the weekend.

City police chief Senior Superintendent John Chua said the operations were conducted to rid the city of lawless elements.

Meanwhile, a 40-year-old pedicab driver was shot dead near a church along Madrigal street in Barangay Bagong Pag-asa in Quezon City on Sunday. 

Probers said Rodel Palana and his daughter were on their way home after buying bread from a bakery when they were blocked by the suspects.

Palana died at the scene. His daughter was unhurt.

Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects, Arlen Jumawan and a 15-year-old boy.