'Rogue' Manila cop slain in ambush

MANILA, Philippines - A Manila policeman was ambushed by two motorcycle-riding men in Tondo, Manila yesterday afternoon.

Police Officer 2 Nicomedes Lambas was driving his Mitsubishi Strada pickup along Honorio Lopez street at around 1:30 p.m. when two men on a motorcycle approached and shot him in front of a chapel, according to PO3 Lito Lopez. He said Lambas died while undergoing surgery at the Tondo Medical Center.

A Manila Police District official said the victim used to be with MPD Station 1 but had been repeatedly transferred from one unit to another due to complaints.

There were reports that he was detailed at the National Capital Region Police Office regional police holding and administrative unit prior to his death and he had gone absent without official leave. Police officers who have pending cases are normally assigned at RPHAU.

Lambas was allegedly involved in robbery and carjacking and was considered one of the “headaches of the Manila’s finest,” according to another police official.

“He was identified by one of the truck helpers who hijacked their truck in the Camanava area. We have coordinated with the Northern Police District regarding that case but Lambas had gone missing,” the source said.

Another high-ranking police officer in Station 1 said Lambas lived a very luxurious life and owned several properties, including the brand new pickup he was riding when he was ambushed.