Alleged cop killer shot dead in Pasay

MANILA, Philippines - A man who allegedly gunned down a policeman in 2011 was himself killed in a reported shootout with Pasay City police officers Friday night.

Bello Tubat Jr., alias “Junior Asin,” was seen by a police informant as he was walking along P. Celle street at around 11 p.m., Southern Police District director Chief Superintendent Benito Estipona said.

Acting on the informant’s tip, a 10-man team led by Senior Inspector Fernando Ferrer went to the scene to arrest Tubat, Estipona said.

Police officers said that Tubat, instead of surrendering, drew a .45 caliber pistol tucked into his waistband and started shooting at them. Estipona said the policemen returned fire, killing Tubat.

Investigators later recovered Tubat’s handgun. Tubat was the main suspect in the killing of PO2 Jose Salazar, who was detailed with the National Capital Region Police Office, on Sept. 18, 2011.

Salazar, 44, was singing at a birthday party on F. Victor street in Pasay City when Tubat, also a guest at the party, allegedly shot him four times in the face and body.