LLDA worker killed

A petty quarrel led to the killing of a Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) employee by his father and son neighbors in Pasig City over the weekend.

Guillermo Payumo, 53, of Kenneth Road, Nagpayong, barangay Pinagbuhatan, sustained a stab wound in the left armpit and two gunshot wounds in the chest. He died on the spot.

Superintendent John Sosito, Pasig City police chief, identified the suspects as Payumo’s neighbor Rogelio Vera and his son, Rolando, 18.

Sosito said Rolando also sustained a gunshot wound in the chest. He is under guard at the Rizal Medical Center where he is being treated.

PO3 Enrique Jimenez said Payumo got mad at his neighbors who ignored his request for help in erecting a wooden footbridge in their area which has been flooded since typhoon Seniang hit the country last Nov. 3.

The Veras apparently thought they were the ones alluded to by Payumo.

Jimenez said Payumo and Rolando engaged in a drinking session at the Veras’ residence at about 8 p.m. Saturday.

At the height of their drinking spree, however, a heated argument flared up between the two neighbors. Witnesses said Rolando took out a fan knife and stabbed Payumo in the left armpit.

Payumo drew his handgun and opened fire at Rolando hitting him in the chest. The younger Vera’s body lay bleeding on the floor when his father rushed out to investigate.

Upon seeing his wounded son, Jimenez said the elder Vera produced a handgun and fired twice at Payumo at close range. The elder Vera escaped after the incident.

Sosito dispatched a team of detectives to track down the elder Vera, who could be hiding in his relative’s house in Metro Manila.– Non Alquitran