Lim issues shoot-to-kill order on 2 fugitive cops

Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Manila’s “Dirty Harry” is once again taking “drastic action” against lawmen-turned-criminals.

In a press conference on Thursday, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim issued shoot-to-kill orders on two policemen suspected of involvement in separate murder incidents in Tondo district during the Holy Week.

Police Officer 1 Fulgencio Sideco, of the National Capital Region Police Office, allegedly shot dead neighbor Danilo Serrano, 62, last April 3; while dismissed PO3 Rommel Fortuno, formerly of the Caloocan police was accused of shooting dead pedicab driver Kim Tanyog last Saturday.

Both policemen were reportedly known to be trigger-happy and dangerous.

According to Serrano’s sister, Lucila, Sideco is facing dismissal from service over a case of indiscriminate firing last year during a Christmas party in his neighborhood, and is a notorious illegal drug user in his area.

Sideco has been absent from service since November. He is believed to be armed with an M16 rifle.

Fortuno, meanwhile, was dismissed over carnapping charges years ago, and has been wanted since February after he allegedly killed another lawman for hooking up with his ex-girlfriend. Tanyog was his ex-girlfriend’s cousin. Fortuno killed him after he had refused to reveal her whereabouts, Lim said on Thursday.

Fortuno is believed armed with a shotgun and a 9 mm handgun, Lim said.

Lim clarified, however, that his shoot-to-kill order applies only “in case of armed resistance” of arrest.

“Their tendency would be to shoot. Our law enforcers need to be careful. Any sign of danger, they need to protect themselves,” the mayor explained. “We need to take drastic action,” Lim added.