Cop tagged in BOC murders killed

MANILA, Philippines — A policeman allegedly responsible for the killing of several Bureau of Customs employees was shot dead by BOC operatives in Manila on Friday.

Executive M/Sgt. Celedonio Caunceran Jr., 42, was apprehended by operatives of the BOC’s Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) and police special weapons and tactics team at the corner of 15th street and Railroad Drive in Port Area at around 5:05 p.m.

Caunceran was identified through his identification card, which stated that he is assigned at the Quezon City Police District Station 6.

However, a desk officer at the station said Caunceran was relieved from his post in January and reassigned to the QCPD’s holding and accounting unit but did not elaborate.

A police report said Caunceran was a suspect in several murders of BOC employees as well as a grenade-throwing incident at the BOC’s Enforcement and Security Services compound.

Authorities seized a 9mm pistol, a .45-caliber pistol, a knife and a Suzuki Skydrive motorcycle from Caunceran.

Manila Police District (MPD) director Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco reported that Caunceran was arrested for violating the election gun ban.

After his arrest, Caunceran asked CIIS agent Jovan Escueta Lugtu for permission to use the restroom. Caunceran then reportedly tried to grab Lugtu’s firearm, prompting CIIS agent Elizer Layag Mangili to shoot him.

Caunceran was shot in the forehead and chest, according to the report. He was brought to the Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center, where he was declared dead, with the handcuffs still attached to one of his wrists.

Mangili and Lugtu are being held by the MPD, Francisco said.