2 brothers, both cops, shot dead in Makati

Two members of the Philippine National Police were shot and killed allegedly by a vengeful neighbor the other night in Makati City.

Makati police identified the victims as brothers SPO2 Eduardo Merano, 51 and PO3 Noel Merano, 48, both residing at 2706 Ma. Aurora St. Barangay Poblacion, Makati City.

The elder Merano was a member of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Task Force Katapat-II while his younger brother was assigned at the Western Police District.

Based on the investigation of Inspector Florante Jose, the two victims were having a drinking session with a cousin and friend near their house last Monday night when the incident occurred.

The suspect, who was identified as Rodolfo Cruz, 48, a security guard, residing at 2879 Pertierra St., Barangay Poblacion, was said to be walking around the vicinity of the Meranos’ residence before the shooting took place.

Cruz appeared to be on his way to join a group beside the Meranos who were playing cards when he suddenly approached the elder Merano. He immediately pulled out a caliber .38 pistol and started shooting at Eduardo.

Eduardo was shot four times in the back while attempting to run away from the suspect. Cruz then proceeded inside the house of Merano where he spotted Noel taking out food from the kitchen. The suspect fired a shot at Noel which went through his left hand and into his left chest.

After he was shot, Merano tried to go upstairs but was stopped by another bullet. Noel died on the spot while Eduardo succumbed to gunshot wounds before reaching the Makati Medical Center.

According to the police, the suspect shot the two policemen probably out of revenge for the killing of his brother-in-law in 1996.

The younger Merano was said to have killed Cruz’s brother-in-law, Alfonso Dris, in an incident sometime in 1996. A cousin of the Meranos claimed that the shooting of Dris was done in self defense. – Marvin Sy