Cop killed for intervening in neighbors’ quarrel

MANILA, Philippines - A policeman was shot dead while trying to pacify his quarreling neighbors in Concepcion Uno, Marikina City yesterday.

Police Officer 3 Conrado Las Piñas, 36, assigned at the station anti-illegal drugs special operations task force of the Pasig City police, died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds in the body.

Responding policemen arrested Abdul Bare Adiong Salik, 37, right after the incident. Eastern Police District (EPD) director Chief Superintendent Miguel Laurel ordered a manhunt for the three other suspects.

Investigators said Las Piñas and his friend, Allan Rotaria, went home after engaging in a drinking session. Rotaria was met by Salik in the middle of the street, and a heated argument ensued.

Las Piñas approached Rotaria and Salik to mediate. However, one of Salik’s three companions approached him from behind and shot him. When Las Piñas fell to the ground, bleeding, the three suspects fled.

Rotaria was spared by the suspects but was still in the state of shock, police said.

Police officers arrested Salik and recovered from the crime scene five shells and four slugs from a.45 caliber automatic pistol.

Salik is being held at the Marikina City police detention center while appropriate charges are being readied against him.