Ex-cop, cohort shot dead

MANILA, Philippines — Two suspected robbers who were released from jail yesterday were shot dead by four motorcycle-riding assailants in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

Dismissed Caloocan police officer Reynaldo Nuque Jr. and Felizardo Pablico were killed in a passenger jeepney along Quezon Boulevard.

Probers said Nuque and Pablico had just been released from detention at the Sta. Cruz police station when they were killed.

The fatalities were members of the Sputnik Gang and were allegedly involved in a robbery incident last year, Sta. Cruz police station commander Lt. Col. John Guiagui said.

Nuque was previously assigned with the Northern Police District.

He was one of the suspects in the killing of retired policeman Jovencio Pagador and his niece Haydee Paloma in July 2011, according to Guiagui.

Nuque and Pablico reportedly held up Eufrecina Malasig and Giovani Sinnung at gunpoint in Sampaloc, Manila on Nov. 10, 2020.

The duo were arrested at a checkpoint along Aurora Boulevard in Sta. Cruz less than an hour after the incident.