MANILA, Philippines - The Northern Police District (NPD) launched a manhunt yesterday for a policeman accused of shooting his neighbor in Malabon City Saturday.
“There is no other option for Police Officer 2 Manuel Tugade. He either surrenders or he will be charged with (being absent without official leave) and will face charges,” NPD director Chief Superintendent Edgar Layon told The STAR.
According to investigators, Ivan Limenzon and his brother, Ian, were drinking in their grandmother’s house in Barangay Longos, Malabon, when they heard a commotion outside.
The brothers reportedly saw Tugade looking for the person who threw a stone at his house. Ian said Tugade shot Ivan several times.
Ivan was taken to the Tondo Medical Center, where he was reported to be in critical condition. A relative said yesterday that “it will take a major miracle for him to survive.”
Tugade’s superior, Navotas police chief Senior Superintendent Conrado Gongon Jr., said he tried to convince Tugade to surrender but “he refused because he wants the case to be filed first before coming out.”
Layon said the reason for Tugade’s refusal to come out of hiding is because he will be jailed and forced to post bail.
“But if he surfaces after the filing (of the case) he will just request that he be released for further investigation. This is a common practice of policemen who have cases,” he said, adding that the charge is scheduled to be filed today.