Cop killed following up Quezon road rage case

Candelaria, Quezon, Philippines — A police officer was killed while two others were wounded in separate shooting incidents that stemmed from a road rage case in Candelaria, Quezon on Saturday.

Cpl. Reniel Marin of the Candelaria police intelligence unit died while being treated at the Peter Paul Medical Center for a gunshot to the chest, according to Col. Ledon Monte, Quezon police director.

Rushed to the same hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds were tricycle driver Morfie Azul, 35, and Erica Shane Balitan, 12, who was hit by a stray bullet.

Marin was among three police officers tasked to follow up a road rage incident involving Azul and Teodolo Rustia in Barangay Bukal Sur, according to case investigator S/Sgt. Jun Jun Villaflor.

Reports said that Azul and Rustia were traveling along the highway on separate motorcycles when they had a spat due to traffic.

Rustia reportedly drew a gun and shot Azul several times before speeding away.

Capt. Lovely Lalunio, spokesperson for the Quezon police, said that a few hours after the incident, a team of police officers including Marin went to Rustia’s house to investigate.

Azul’s brother Efren, said to be an Air Force reservist, arrived at Rustia’s place ahead of the officers.

Efren reportedly shot the approaching officers, hitting Marin in the chest.

A stray bullet hit Balitan, reportedly a stepdaughter of Rustia.

Probers said Efren might have thought that the officers were the ones who shot his brother.

Police have yet to locate Efren and Rustia. Investigation is ongoing. — Ed Amoroso