Cop slain, another hurt in shootout

MANILA, Philippines - A rookie policeman was killed while his companion was wounded when motorcycle-riding gunmen shot at them while they were manning a checkpoint in Rodriguez, Rizal Monday night.

Police Officer 1 Paul Martin Nuyles died of gunshot wounds on the way to the hospital while PO1 Raymundo Robel is being treated at the H-Ville Hospital for gunshot wounds in the leg and body.

Senior Superintendent Rolando Anduyan, Rizal police director, said six of the suspects in the attack on the two policemen have been arrested: Mario Gonzales, 25; his brothers, Ricky, 33, and Joseph, 25; Ruben Dolorais, 30; Danilo Danula, 43, and Lamberto Lauiez, 27.

Anduyan said the two policemen and PO3 Allan Bentazal were at a checkpoint along Don Maariano Extension in Barangay San Jose when they were attacked.

He said the three policemen were involved in a shootout with members of a robbery gang, killing two of them, in Barangay Commonwealth months ago.

“We are zeroing in on revenge as the motive behind the attack,” Anduyan said in an interview.