Cop shot dead in Danao

CEBU, Philippines - A policeman was shot and killed by a group of men believed to be members of a fraternity while pacifying a fight past 5 p.m. yesterday in Sitio Pulang Yuta, Barangay Looc, Danao City.

SPO2 Jose Relampagos, of Barangay Dumlog, died of multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body.

He was rushed to the Danao City Provincial Hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Relampagos, an investigator at the Tuburan Police Station, went to Barangay Looc with his live-in partner to light a candle for today's fiesta celebration today.

PO3 Marlon Remollo said that Relampagos and his live-in partner were heading home when they saw a group of men having misunderstanding.

Remolle said Relampagos wanted to pacify the group but was instead shot several times.

The victim, according Remollo, failed to return fire with his service 9mm pistol.

Police recovered an empty shell and a slug of unknown caliber from the crime scene.

A few hours later, police arrested three suspects in a hot pursuit operation.

Arrested were Brave Alvaro, 19, and Ronstel Casas, 27, both of Barangay Looc; and Ronnie Capin, 31, of Barangay Paril, Cebu City.

Police are still hunting down other suspects in the killing.  (FREEMAN)