AWOL cop shot dead in Tondo

MANILA, Philippines — A policeman who had gone AWOL (absent without official leave) was gunned down by two men on a motorcycle in Tondo, Manila on Thursday afternoon.

Police Officer 3 Rodrigo Asuan, 39, of Ampioco street in Balut, Tondo, was on a motorcycle on his way to the Blumentritt market when the assailants fired at him at the corner of Rodriguez and Younger streets at around 3:15 a.m.

Asuan died at the scene from gunshots to the body.

Witnesses said the gunmen fled toward Buendia street after the attack.

Probers said they recovered four spent shells of a .45-caliber handgun at the scene.

Reports said Asuan was formerly assigned with the Manila Police District (MPD) Station 7. He was reassigned to Mindanao at the height of “Oplan Tokhang” in 2017.

 Asuan had since failed to report to work.

Policemen said to be involved in illegal drugs were reassigned to Mindanao.

Chief Inspector Rommel Anicete, MPD homicide section chief, said they were investigating if the attack on Asuan was drug-related.