Cop in ambush case tests positive for powder burns

A policeman who allegedly owned an illegal firecracker stall and linked to an ambush of a police team in Quezon City last week has tested positive for powder burns.

A paraffin test conducted on Police Officer 1 Faizal Mala showed that he fired his gun, possibly during the ambush on a police team at his firecracker stall in North Fairview.

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 filed against him.

Chief Inspector Rodelio Marcelo, head of the Quezon City Police District’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit, said the test showed that Mala’s gun, a Pietro Beretta pistol, was also fired.

Marcelo said this gun could be Mala’s service firearm. But Mala could not present papers for the gun, he said.

Mala is facing charges for murder, frustrated murder, illegal possession of firearms and violation of Republic Act No. 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 armed 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.