Suspects in Navotas cop's slay nabbed

MANILA, Philippines - Four teenagers were arrested Thursday night for their alleged involvement in the killing of a Navotas policeman who responded to a robbery in Sampaloc, Manila last April 20.

Manila Police District’s homicide division police officers, headed by Senior Inspector Joey Ocampo, went to a computer shop on Mariveles street in La Loma, Quezon City and arrested Ronald Laguda, 19, and three other teenagers as they were playing a network game.

An informant identified Laguda as the person who announced the heist in a passenger jeepney at the corner of Marzan and Dimasalang streets in Sampaloc on April 20.

The ensuing commotion was heard by Police Officer 2 Joel Magno of the Navotas police, who was in his house and having a conversation with a colleague, PO2 Carl Sawey.

Magno reportedly drew his gun and responded to the incident but was shot at pointblank range while trying to chase the robbers, who rode a tricycle. The man who was riding behind the driver, a certain “Gerald,” allegedly shot Magno.

PO3 Rodel Benitez said the three others who were arrested with Laguda would likely be released as they were not identified by the witness.