AWOL cop pummels, robs Tondo trader

A Manila policeman who has gone on absence without official leave is now being hunted by his colleagues after he allegedly pistol-whipped and robbed a Tondo businessman yesterday morning.

Investigators identified the suspect as Francisco Bacunawa, of Maginoo st., Tondo, and formerly detailed with the WPD-Tactical Operations Center (TOC).

Bacunawa’s alleged victim, Arthur Cortes, 56, of J.P. Rizal st., Magsaysay Village, Tondo filed a formal complaint against him with the WPD-General Assigment Section (WPD-GAS).

Cortes told investigators that he was drinking coffee in front of his house at around 6 a.m. when the suspect approached him.

Without a word, Bacunawa poked a caliber .45 pistol at the victim and divested him of his Rado watch worth P8,000. Not satisfied, the suspect then allegedly pistol-whipped Cortes on his shoulder and took the victim’s gold necklace worth P35,000.

Meanwhile, a policeman detailed with the Department of the Interior and Local Government is also being hunted by Manila policemen for reportedly mauling and pistol-whipping a truck driver and his two helpers in Tondo, Manila the other day.

The suspect was identified as Senior Police Officer 2 Eddie Noriega, detailed at the DILG Headquarters in Kamuning, Quezon City.

Police said that Noriega, after the attack, climbed aboard the truck’s cab and fired at the truck’s steering wheel before leaving. – Mike Frialde