WPD cop faces probe for slay of rob suspect

A Binondo policeman is now being investigated by the homicide division of the Western Police District following the death of an alleged snatcher the other day.

Now being investigated is Police Officer 1 Ferdinand Cajipe, assigned with the Tondo Police Station (WPD Station 1).

According to the initial investigation of the WPD, Gloribeth Fajardo, 15, student, and resident of Sto. Cristo, Tondo, Manila; was walking along Tabora street in Tondo, at about 3 p.m. when she was bumped by suspect Roland Albareda, 35, of 487 Baltazar St., Tondo.

Fajardo said that Albareda, after bumping her, then allegedly grabbed her necklace and then ran towards Recto Avenue.

The commotion attracted the attention of Cajipe and other members of the WPD Station 1 who were on patrol. Police said Cajipe allegedly shouted that he was a policeman and fired a warning shot.

However, the suspect allegedly pulled out a knife and tried to attack Cajipe. At this point, Fajardo arrived at the scene and pushed the suspect giving Cajipe the chance to hold both of the suspect’s hands and disarm him.

But instead of yielding, the suspect allegedly made a grab for Cajipe’s service gun and a struggle allegedly ensued. During the process, the gun reportedly went off hitting the suspect once in the head. Albareda was taken to the Andres Bonifacio Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Investigators are trying to determine whether there was a violation of police procedure during the incident. – Mike Frialde