Crime lab cop’s colleagues tested for gunpowder residue

MANILA, Philippines - Seventeen colleagues of a policewoman found dead in the Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Laboratory at Camp Crame Thursday morning have been tested for gunpowder residue, an official said yesterday.

The seven forensic officers – who all tested negative, indicating they had not fired a gun recently – were in the laboratory when Inspector Romelou Medina, 34, was found with a gunshot wound in her right temple by another police officer at the laboratory’s finance office at around 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 31, said Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor, spokesman of the PNP chief’s office.

Mayor added that Medina was tested positive for gunpowder residue, indicating she may have fired a gun. He noted that Medina’s .9mm Tanfoglio pistol and a slug, found near her body, have been subjected to ballistics tests.

He also said that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s anti-cybercrime investigators are checking Medina’s cell phone to find out the persons she last contacted.

PNP Crime Laboratory director Chief Superintendent Liza Sabong said Medina’s husband, Nelson, a security guard at a Pasig City hospital, was informed and immediately rushed to Camp Crame to check on his wife.

Sabong said Medina used to be assigned at the PNP Crime Laboratory’s finance office with a rank of Police Officer 3 until a month ago, when she was promoted and detailed to the Manila Police District’s Crime Laboratory for her on-the-job training.

Sabong said no one can ascertain what time Medina arrived at Camp Crame. She said Medina often visited the PNP Crime Laboratory’s finance office to help out with doing the vouchers, which was her job prior to her promotion.