Cop linked to drugs tortured, killed

MANILA, Philippines - A policeman accused of being a drug pusher was tortured and killed while still wearing his police uniform in Meycauayan City in Bulacan.

Barangay officials found the body of Police Officer 3 Michael Lee Manalad, 34, a member of the Malolos City police station, shortly after midnight yesterday.

Investigators said Manalad, a resident of No. 459 Purok 4, Sta. Isabel, Malolos, Bulacan, had two gunshot wounds in the body and was strangled.

Meycauayan police chief Supt. Lailene Amparo reported that barangay officials found the policeman, still in his police uniform, in Barangay Ubihan in Meycauayan.

Investigators said barangay chairman Niño Villadoz reported that he heard two gunshots before they found the body of Manalad leaning against a pole with strangulation marks around his neck, a nylon cord wrapped around his mouth and a cardboard sign hanging from his neck with a warning: “PULIS NA PUSHER WAG TULARAN (policeman pusher don’t emulate).”

Scene of the Crime Operatives from the Bulacan Crime Laboratory recovered a plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu wrapped with packing tape from the left upper pocket of the victim’s uniform.

The body of the victim was brought to Ever Funeral Homes in Iba, Meycauayan for autopsy.

The local police are now conducting follow-up operations.

Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., acting director of the Bulacan provincial police, has confirmed that Manalad had tested positive for use of illegal drugs during a recent drug test conducted on policemen of the Malolos City police station.

Caramat said that he had received reports that Manalad was also involved in illegal drug activities.

He also confirmed that another policeman from the police station in San Miguel, Bulacan had also tested positive for illegal drugs in another drug test.

Philippine National Police spokesman Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos said the Meycauayan police are now investigating the murder of Manalad.

Carlos said the investigation is being conducted by the local police to identify, locate and arrest the killers of the police officer. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe–