Suspects in slay of Quezon City barangay safety officer held

MANILA, Philippines — Police arrested the suspects in a shooting that left two people dead, including a barangay public safety officer, in Quezon City on Wednesday.

The shooting stemmed from an argument over the use of a videoke machine, probers said.

Ricardo Lucas Jr., 44, and Ernie Tambaoan, 40, were nabbed in Barangay Payatas, according to National Capital Region Police Office director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez.

Lucas and Tambaoan were accused of killing Barangay Sauyo public safety officer Cornelio Nuval Jr., 57, and Pelagio Cabaddu, 43.

Police recovered a .45-caliber handgun, an MK IV pistol and ammunition from the suspects.

Authorities also took into custody the suspects’ companion, 31-year-old Jenny Joy Roldan, who was caught with ammunition.

Quezon City Police District director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said Lucas and Tambaoan have pending warrants of arrest for murder and other crimes in Ilocos as well as Central Luzon.

A background investigation showed that the suspects are members of a gun-for-hire ring.

“We are investigating their presence in Metro Manila. We want to find out if they have a target here,” Maranan said at a news briefing.

Police said barangay watchmen went to the area amid complaints from residents that the suspects were still using a videoke machine late at night.

Witnesses said Cabaddu’s nephew interfered, which angered Tambaoan who tried to strangle him.

Cabaddu retaliated and punched Tambaoan, which prompted Lucas to shoot him.

Lucas fired at two barangay watchmen as he and Tambaoan escaped on a motorcycle.

On Tuesday, Cabaddu and Nuval died in a hospital from gunshot wounds.

The other victims are recuperating in a hospital.

Lucas and Tambaoan are facing two counts of murder and violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office.