Metrobriefs

Suspended policeman, pal killed

A quick stop at a neighborhood store for a bottle of beer left a policeman and his companion dead before dawn on Wednesday.  PO2 Zalde Elumbia, who had just turned 37 years old last week, and his friend Reynaldo Tapay, a resident of Barangay Nova Proper, were shot and killed by still unidentified suspects in front of the store on Doña Rosario Street in Novaliches, Quezon City.

Tapay was a resident of the area. Case investigator SPO1 Cristituto Zaldarriaga said the shooting took place at 2 a.m. Wednesday. Elumbia took a gunshot wound in the chest while Tapay was hit in the neck. Both died instantly. Recovered from the crime scene were two casings and a bullet from a 9-mm firearm. The police said they were still waiting for witnesses to come forward.

At the time of his death, the policeman was under suspension after he shot dead an alleged gang member while on duty in Rizal province last year. Following his suspension, he got a job at a company in Quezon City. After work last Tuesday, the policeman and Tapay, a coworker, went out with colleagues to celebrate Elumbia’s birthday.

The victims were on their way home on a motorcycle when they decided to stop by a neighborhood store to down more beer. A store helper said he was arranging his wares inside the store after he sold the victims some bottles of beer when he heard shouts. He added that he heard one of the victims smashing a beer bottle and shout, “Come out if you’re a brave man” before two shots rang out. When he went out to see what had happened, he said he saw the victims lying on the ground, already dead. Julie M. Aurelio

Cop charged with trespassing

An off-duty police officer was arrested for trespassing after he entered a house and threatened its occupants with a gun on Tuesday night in Quezon City. PO1 Rick Tangilan underwent inquest proceedings Wednesday morning for grave threats, trespassing and violation of the election gun ban.

Assistant city prosecutor Jennifer Cabanban-Ong recommended the filing of two counts of grave threats and trespass to dwelling with bail set at P12,000 for each case. Case investigator PO2 George Caculba said the charge for violation of the election gun ban was set for further investigation. Tangilan, who is assigned at the Anonas police station, is now in the custody of the Quezon City Police District’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit in Camp Karingal.

He was arrested after Byron Frilles and Mark Anthony Correa, residents of Makadios Street in Barangay Botocan, complained that he entered Frilles’ house at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, held the two men at gunpoint and searched the house. He then left. In his defense, Tangilan said he went to Frilles’ house because he was checking out a report about a commotion in the area. Julie M. Aurelio

Bus accident hurts 6 on Commonwealth

Six bus passengers were hurt after the driver lost control of the vehicle which fell on its side on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City Wednesday afternoon. Police took the driver, Rodrick Berin, 34, into custody following the accident near the corner of Litex Road. Initial reports reaching the Quezon City traffic police sector 5 said the Jackpherlyn Bus Transport swerved toward the center island before it fell on its side at 3 p.m.  Julie M. Aurelio