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MANILA, Philippines — A neighborhood watchman or barangay tanod was arrested for allegedly killing a 59-year-old scavenger reportedly suffering from mental illness, the Manila Police District (MPD) confirmed Monday.
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In a report shared by MPD director Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco, operatives from MPD’s Station 7 at Jose Abad Santos arrested the barangay tanod identified as Cesar Panlaqui for allegedly killing the scavenger along Tayuman Street corner Visayas Street last Saturday, August 7.
Panlaqui, who lives along Tondo’s Dagupan Street, is a village police officer of Barangay 156 in the city of Manila.
Information from MPD showed that two police officers of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) were traversing the stretch of Tayuman Street when they heard a gunshot, prompting them to respond to the scene, where they found the scavenger dead.
The QCPD policemen subsequently reported the incident to the nearest barangay office and police station.
Further investigation by MPD revealed that they learned from the victim’s brother that the scavenger was suffering from mental illnesses.
“Elements of PS 7 went straight to the area and conducted an investigation, particularly, to the victim’s brother who averred that the former suffers from mental illness,” MPD said.
“After gathering information from witnesses, the police arrested said suspect and recovered from his possession was a revolver of unknown caliber and without a serial number,” it added.
It is not yet clear what the barangay tanod’s motive was, but local officials have been called upon to help in implementing health protocols especially as Metro Manila goes through another enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
But in a separate message to INQUIRER.net, Francisco denied earlier claims that the scavenger violated ECQ or curfew regulations.
The MPD assured that such crimes would not be tolerated and that their drive against criminality would continue.
“The MPD under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco will continue its relentless campaign against all forms of criminalities and protect human lives regardless of their status in society,” MPD noted.