Tondo thrill killer falls

The suspected thrill killer who shot dead a 15-year-old male student in front of a mall in Sta. Cruz, Manila last week was arrested in a police follow-up operation in Tondo last night.

Jeffrey Nicdao, 21, jobless, of Katamanan Extension, Tondo admitted shooting Jeffrey Yee while the latter was waiting for a ride along C.M. Recto Avenue at around 9 p.m. last Thursday, according to Manila Police District’s Homicide Section head Chief Inspector Alejandro Yanquiling Jr.

During interrogation, the suspect claimed to have shot several persons without provocation.

"Namamaril ‘tong suspect pag di nya kursunada ang mukha," Yanquiling said.

A witness said Yee’s killer had a flower tattoo on his neck. Working on the lead, Yanquiling and his men conducted a surveillance in Tondo for four consecutive days.

At around 7 p.m. last Wednesday night, operatives spotted the suspect in the company of gangmates known as the "Trese Hudas."

The group scampered after sensing the presence of policemen, but Nicdao was subdued after hiding in a shanty.

Recovered from him was a paltik caliber .45 pistol, which he allegedly used in shooting Yee.

The witness positively identified Nicdao as the gunman. Homicide charges are now being prepared against the suspect.

Meanwhile, Homicide operatives led by SPO4 Ismael de la Cruz arrested Brian Scott, 19, a student, for killing Alfonso Batadlan, 29, of Paco, Manila last Saturday night.

Scott, a member of the Batang City Jail, shot the victim several times. Motive for the shooting is still being determined.

Yolanda Lupina, 45, was also hit by a stray bullet on the thigh while sleeping inside her shanty.