7 hurt as cop goes on shooting spree

MANILA, Philippines — A police officer went on a shooting spree in Caloocan that left seven persons wounded at the height of the Christmas celebration yesterday.

Police Officer 1 Danilo Tiempo, assigned to the Navotas mobile patrol unit, surrendered to the Caloocan police before dawn yesterday and admitted to firing his guns at seven persons he accused of beating up his father in Barangay 28, said Caloocan deputy police chief for administration Superintendent Ferdinand del Rosario.

According to police investigators, Tiempo shot at Jayrold Balais, Wilmer Cabulao, Oliver Panican, Mark Angelo Custodio, Anthony Solero, Marvin Borres, and Joel Ramos while they were playing cara y cruz – a coin gambling game – along Kawal street in Barangay 28 just an hour before midnight.

In front of National Capital Police Office Regional Director Guillermo Eleazar, who visited the Caloocan police station before dawn yesterday, Tiempo said he only fired shots in self-defense.

He said the group went after him after he confronted them for allegedly beating up his father.

Tiempo said he brought with him his government-issued 9mm pistol and his personal .45 caliber pistol.

The victims are in stable condition after being hit in the lower extremities, according to Chief Inspector Enrique Torres of the Caloocan police station investigation division and management branch.

Police recovered three .45 caliber bullet casings and three 9mm bullet casings at the crime scene.

Tiempo faces charges of frustrated homicide. – Non Alquitran