Cop tagged in slay of fellow cop tests positive for powder burns

MANILA, Philippines —  A policeman believed to be the  owner of an illegal firecracker stall, tested positive for powder burns in an investigation into the shooting of police officers sent to seize contraband in Quezon City last week.

A paraffin test conducted on PO1 Faizal Mala showed that he fired his gun, possibly during the ambush on a police team at Mala’s firecracker stall in Quezon City last week.

The result of the paraffin test was submitted to the Quezon City prosecutors’ office as part of evidence for the murder and frustrated murder raps against him.

Chief Insp. Rodelio Marcelo, head of the Quezon City Police District’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit said the test showed that the policeman’s gun was also fired.

Based on the report of Chief Insp. Maridel Rodis, chief of the Crime Laboratory’s chemistry section, Mala’s Pietro Beretta pistol was fired.

Marcelo said this firearm could be the policeman’s service firearm although Mala could not present papers for the gun.

Mala is facing charges for murder, frustrated murder, illegal possession of firearms and violation of Republic Act 7183 on regulating the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of firecrackers.

The policeman waived his right to a regular preliminary investigation as the inquest prosecutor determines if there is probable cause to indict him.

The ambush last Thursday led to the death of PO2 Bernardo Quintero and the wounding of PO2 Jessie Adajar, both of the Fairview police station.

The police team was at Mala’s firecracker stall at the Fairmont Subdivision in North Fairview when unidentified men fired shots at them.

Mala has been accused of having been among the gunmen, a charge he denied.

His sister-law, Hanna Maoten-Shiekdugar, also underwent inquest proceedings for illegal possession of a knife and violation of RA 7183.

“Since the Beretta pistol tested positive for nitrate, it means it was fired during the incident,” Marcelo said.

Police are tracking four other suspects, among them Mala’s brother.