Bystander killed by stray bullet; 2 others wounded

A 36-year-old laborer was killed after he was hit by a stray bullet while a policeman was trying to pacify a bunch of warring toughies before dawn yesterday in Malabon City.

Luisito Samson, an auto mechanic, of 39-D San Diego St., Barangay Santolan in Malabon, sustained a gunshot wound in the body while being rushed to the Valenzuela City General Hospital for treatment.

Two alleged goons, Arturo Dalmacio, 23, of Molawin St. and Gilbert Gabriel, 21, of Panghulo St., sustained bullet wounds in the neck and leg, respectively.

Police reports revealed that PO1 Nicasio Eliscopedes, 30, assigned at the Malabon City Police Community Precinct 1, was walking home along Rodriguez St. in Barangay Santolan at around 4:20 a.m. when he chanced upon a commotion among several men in Barangay Panghulo.

Eliscopedes intervened and tried to pacify the group by firing warning shots in the air. The men scampered to different directions except for one Rodel Bautista, 27, who was wounded.

As Eliscopedes came to the rescue of Bautista, the goons reportedly came back and attacked him. Eliscopedes fired his handgun in defense, hitting Dalmacio and Gabriel including Samson, who was reportedly buying pandesal in a nearby bakery.

The policeman reportedly surrendered to his superior at the Malabon City police station after the incident. — Pete Laude