Caloocan cop into drug pushing?

MANILA, Philippines - A Caloocan City policeman may have tried to kill his brother-in-law in Rodriguez, Rizal last week because the victim could testify that he was involved in the illegal drug trade, an official said yesterday.

John Roy Suzon, 21, claimed in his two-page statement that he saw his brother-in-law, Senior Police Officer 1 Melgan Lorenzo, repacking shabu.

Suzon did not elaborate on what he saw, but Rodriguez police chief Superintendent Arthur Masungsong said he strongly believed that the incident triggered the slay try.

Suzon said Lorenzo and four other men kidnapped him in Pandacan, Manila on June 20, hogtied and blindfolded him, shot him and left him for dead at a vacant lot in Rodriguez town.

Lorenzo, who was listed as absent without leave at the Caloocan City police, has gone into hiding. National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Leonardo Espina launched a manhunt for Lorenzo.