Caloocan cop shot dead inside public market

MANILA, Philippines — A Caloocan City cop who figured in a heated altercation with market vendors early December was shot dead on Tuesday noon by a still unknown man inside a market in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City.

SPO3 Carmelito Silvino, 52, assigned at Station Traffic Unit-North in Caloocan, sustained a lone gunshot wound on the left side of his head. Initial investigation showed that the unidentified gunman waited for the victim at the  Aidalyn Store, Bagong Silang Wet Market on  Phase 1 around 12:20 p.m.

Witnesses said the shooter was around 5’4″ to 5’5,” had fair complexion and an oval-shaped face, and was of medium built, said SPO2 Allan Budios, case investigator.

Silvino was rushed to Nodado’s Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. The suspect fled on foot heading towards the direction of Phase 4 of the main road.

Senior Superintendent Bartolome Bustamante, Caloocan chief of police, said that prior to the shooting, Silvino – -who also managed a meatshop stall at the wet market — figured in a heated argument with “ambulant vendors days before the Christmas holiday.

Witnesses said Silvino was infuriated by informal vendors who blocked his stall and potential customers forcing Silvino to kick the wares and items and baskets of the other vendors early December.

Silvino worked as vendor at the market in the morning and as traffic investigator in the evening, Bustamante said.

A police who refused to be identified said they were looking into the angle of a possible feud between him and the son of his “girlfriend.”

Investigations are ongoing as to the real motive behind the killing.

Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan has announced he will give away P300,000 to anyone with information on the killers of Silvino, according to Bustamante.  SFM