Cop, trader slain in shootings

MANILA, Philippines — A policeman and the owner of a poultry store were killed in separate shootings in Manila and Quezon City yesterday.

Police Officer 2 Joselito Imperial was reading a newspaper in front of his house along Calabash street in Sampaloc, Manila when one of two men riding a motorcycle shot him just before 7 a.m.

Imperial, formerly with the Manila Police District, was reportedly assigned to the National Capital Region Police Office’s Regional Police Holding and Accounting Unit (RPHAU).

Though he was hit in the abdomen, Imperial wrestled with the assailant, who shot him repeatedly before escaping, according to Senior Police Officer 2 Sherwin Yumul.

Imperial died while being treated at the United Doctors Medical Center at around 8:35 a.m.

Investigators recovered three bullet casings and a deformed bullet from a .45 caliber pistol at the crime scene.

Probers were surprised when they learned that at least four closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the barangay were not working at the time of the attack.

Another CCTV camera in one of the business establishments was destroyed, probers said.

Imperial’s relatives said there were at least three previous attempts on his life.

A police officer at the MPD said Imperial was relieved and transferred to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) before being sent to the RPHAU.

He said there had been suspicions that Imperial was involved in illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, Rommel Roque, 27, was sipping coffee in front of his poultry store at the Commonwealth Market in Quezon City when two men drew handguns and shot him several times in the head and body.

A report from QCPD Station 6 said the shooting happened at around 1:30 a.m.

The victim’s sister said in a television interview that she was in the store when gunshots rang out. When she looked outside, she saw men wearing face masks and yellow shirts walking away.

Probers recovered nine bullet casings, four fired bullets and a deformed bullet at the scene.

An investigation is underway to determine the motive behind the shooting.