Cop dies, station chief replaced after shootout

MANILA, Philippines - A shootout in a police station in Quezon City on Wednesday led to the death of a policeman, the arrest of two colleagues and the replacement of the station commander, an official said yesterday.

Senior Police Officer 1 Arnel Fortez, 44, died from a gunshot to the head at the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) just before 11 p.m. Wednesday, said Chief Superintendent Edgardo Tinio, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director.

Fortez was trying to pacify two of his colleagues – Police Officer 1 Rollsmit Ducusin, 29, and Police Officer 2 Teejay Valdez – along the second-floor hallway of the Eastwood police station when he was shot. The two policemen have been put under arrest.

Ducusin and Valdez were allegedly quarrelling about attendance and performance governance system requirements.

Ducusin, who was hit in the right arm, is detained at the QCPD headquarters while Valdez, who was shot in the abdomen, is under hospital arrest at the QMMC.

Tinio relieved Superintendent Teresita Escamillan, commander of the Eastwood police station, from her post yesterday and replaced her with Superintendent Jeffrey Bilaro.

Valdez and Ducusin could be charged with murder once the investigation ordered by Tinio is complete, said Superintendent Rodelio Marcelo, head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit.

Fortez could be given a posthumous award for his bravery, Tinio said.