Raps filed vs SAF cops in Tondo shooting

The two policemen who went on a shooting spree that resulted in the death of a 51-year-old vendor and the wounding of two others in Tondo, Manila last Monday were charged with homicide and two counts of frustrated homicide yesterday.

Manila inquest fiscal Anabel Dollaga-Magabilin approved the charges filed by the homicide section of the Manila Police District (MPD) against Police Officer 2 Daniel Villanueva and PO2 Allan Trinidad, both Special Action Force (SAF) officers detailed at Camp Crame’s Police Protection and Security Unit.

Villanueva is now detained at the MPD jail following his arrest, while Trinidad remains at large.

Homicide section commander Chief Inspector Alejandro Yanquiling Jr. said Trinidad has sent surrender feelers while collating bail money for his temporary release.

Investigators said the two SAF policemen, who were reportedly drunk at the time, confronted a group of teenagers who were eating at the corner of P. Herrera and Wagas streets in Tondo at around 12:30 a.m.

After an exchange of words, the two policemen allegedly pulled out their guns and started to fire at the fleeing youths. The shots hit three female vendors.

The fatality was identified as Carmelita Billiones who sustained three gunshot wounds in the body, while Analyn Maclangcay, 25, and Amelita Quismundo, 46, are now recuperating from bullet wounds.

Villanueva denied firing at the victims and pointed to Trinidad as the one who could have shot the three women. He was also tested negative for powder burns.

However, four witnesses pointed to Villanueva as the one who fired at the teeners.

Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza ordered MPD acting director Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarzosa to conduct a manhunt against the remaining suspect.

"Justice must be given to the victims of these alleged police scalawags. Appropriate charges must be filed against these rogue policemen, and if proven guilty, they must be put behind bars and suffer the full force of the law," the mayor said, adding he will be monitoring the developments of the case.