Metro Briefs – November 24, 2018

Manhunt on for Caloocan cop who killed couple, son

Authorities on Friday launched a manhunt for a policeman assigned in Caloocan City who reportedly killed a couple and their 10-year-old son at Barangay Bagong Pag-asa in Quezon City. Relatives of victims Romeo Ado, 54; Christine Ado, 50 and their son Romeo Ado, 10, accused the unidentified police officer of shooting the family at close range while they were sleeping inside their house at Madrigal St., Sitio San Roque shortly after midnight.  They said the policeman had previously threatened the Ado family and pointed a gun at them after they filed a complaint against him for tagging them in illegal drug activities. Authorities confirmed that the victims earlier filed a complaint of grave threat in relation to Republic Act No. 7610 against the police officer, who formerly resided in the area. Scene of the crime operatives recovered seven 9-millimeter bullet shells from the crime scene. Both the Caloocan Police and the Quezon City Police District, however, refused to identify the suspect.  —MARIEJO S. RAMOS

Man won’t pay for food, drinks; is arrested

An 18-year-old man was arrested in Manila for nonpayment of food and drinks that he and his friend consumed. In a statement at Thursday, Manila Police District identified the suspect as Carlo Tiglao of Sta. Cruz, Manila. He was nabbed about 7:30 a.m. Friday at Herme’s Hawaii KTV Bar Remedios Street in Barangay 699 in Malate. In its complaint to the police, the establishment said Tiglao and a male friend entered the bar about 2:40 p.m. They ordered food and drinks which amounted to P21,228.  Tiglao, however, couldn’t settle the bill when it was given to him hours later, prompting the establishment owner to call the police.  —AIE BALAGTAS SEE

Palace downplays traffic jams during Xi visit

Malacañang downplayed the traffic jams in some parts of Metro Manila during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s two-day visit earlier this week, saying it was “understandable.” Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo pointed out that the Philippine government’s primary concern during the state visit was the security of Xi and his delegation. “Well, you have to live with that because the concern of the state would be the security of the visiting head of state,” Panelo said when asked to comment on the unannounced road closures. Explaining that because of the road closures and stricter security in Manila, he pointed out that it was only natural that the traffic would build up in Makati City and other areas. “You know, that should be understandable… There would be traffic. All of us, me too,” Panelo said in noting that he, too, suffered. Motorists and commuters took to social media to complain about the traffic jams caused by the road closures and traffic rerouting during Xi’s visit. —JULIE M. AURELIO