Drug suspect slain in QC shootout

MANILA, Philippines - A suspected drug pusher died when he shot it out with policemen who cornered him at his house in Quezon City Thursday night.

Charlie Belardo, 34, had been identified by a witness as the person who shot and killed Senior Police Officer 1 Ivan Roy Atilano, 32, of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Station 9.

QCPD homicide investigation chief Inspector Elmer Monsalve, who led the team, said Belardo died on the spot after he engaged policemen in a shootout at around 9:30 p.m. in Barangay Old Capitol Site.

He said they are currently hunting down Belardo’s alleged accomplice.

Atilano was gunned down at past midnight Thursday while he was about to board a tricycle in Barangay Botocan.

Monsalve said Atilano had arrested Belardo a month ago over drug charges but the suspect managed to get out of detention. Belardo had allegedly been threatening Atilano.

An informant told police investigators that Atilano had visited her Wednesday night to discuss plans about another anti-drug operation.

After the discussion, she accompanied Atilano to the tricycle terminal. At the terminal, she saw a man – his face covered with a shirt – approach Atilano.

The gunman suddenly pulled out a gun and started shooting Atilano. After Atilano fell, the informant said she recognized Belardo when he let go of the shirt that covered his face.