Cop shoots traffic enforcer dead

MANILA, Philippines — A traffic enforcer of the Quezon City government was reportedly gunned down by a trigger-happy police officer who mistook the victim and his companion for motorcycle thieves in Barangay Veterans Village yesterday.

Edgar Follero, 32, a traffic enforcer of the Quezon City department of public order and safety, died before reaching the hospital, according to a police report.

Follero’s alleged killer, Lt. Felixberto Tiquil, a member of the Manila Police District anti-car theft unit, is in the custody of the Quezon City Police District criminal investigation and detection unit, according to QCPD director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III.

Torre said he ordered a thorough investigation of the incident.

Probers said Follero was helping his friend, Paul Timothy delos Reyes, repair his motorcycle, which bogged down along EDSA due to a mechanical problem.

Follero and Delos Reyes had just pushed the motorcycle to the roadside when Tiquil approached them.

Tiquil allegedly pulled out a handgun and fired at Follero twice.

Follero still managed to drive toward a group of policemen at the corner of EDSA and Roosevelt Avenue where he collapsed.

A rescue ambulance brought the victim to the Quezon City General Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Delos Reyes, in an interview on GMA News, said Tiquil accused them of being motorcycle thieves.

“Sabi niya mga carjacker kayo. Sabi ko, sir hindi carnapped ‘yan, kahit titigan niyo po, gamit ko,” Delos Reyes said.

Delos Reyes showed his driver’s license and the motorcycle’s registration certificate to Rapana. It was only then that Tiquil introduced himself as a police officer.

“Hindi ko alam na pulis siya kasi nakasibilyan,” Delos Reyes said.

Police confiscated Tiquil’s service firearm, a 9mm pistol.