Retired Pasig cop killed in ambush

A policeman-turned politician and his brother-in-law were killed while their driver was wounded in an ambush while on their way to a court hearing in Pasig City.

Retired police sergeant Bienvenido Ople, formerly assigned at the clearance and logistic division of the Pasig City police and his brother-in-law, Virgilio Santos sustained body and head wounds. They died on the spot.

Their driver, Antonio Macabangon, is now fighting for his life at the Pasig City General Hospital.

Chief Superintendent Oscar Valenzuela, director of the Eastern Police District, said Ople ran and lost in the 2002 barangay elections as chairman of Barangay Ugong. He filed an electoral protest before the city’s Metropolitan Trial Court.

Valenzuela said the victims were on their way to attend the court hearing at the back of the city hall compound on board a maroon Mitsubishi Lancer (NNV 467) when they were ambushed at the foot of Sandoval Bridge in Barangay Ugong at about 8:40 a.m.

Witnesses said a car with government plates blocked the victim’s vehicle. Two men got out and opened fire at the trio with handguns.

The suspects then sped off toward an unknown direction.

Crime scene investigators recovered spent shells of caliber .45 and 9 mm automatic pistols from the crime scene.

Valenzuela ordered guards to be posted at the hospital were the wounded driver is being treated.