Malabon rookie cop killed in anti-electricity pilferage operation

A rookie policeman was shot dead while assisting Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) personnel in an anti-electricity pilferage operation last Tuesday in Malabon City.

Superintendent Moises Guevarra, Malabon police chief, identified the slain officer as PO1 Wilfredo Olasiman, assigned at Sub-station 3 of the Malabon police in Barangay Catmon.

Guevarra said that at around 2:30 p.m., Olasiman and SPO1 Joel Tan were assisting a Meralco team that was inspecting illegal connections on Hernandez street in Barangay Catmon when they noticed two armed men in the area.

One of the suspects, later identified as Edwin Dulfo, suddenly pulled out a caliber .45 pistol and fired at the two officers.

The other suspect, identified as Apostol Paladin, joined Dulfo in shooting the police officers.

Olasiman was hit in the left thigh while Tan was able to run for cover.

Marilou Barres and Alberto Baylon, both residents of Barangay Catmon, were hit by stray bullets. They suffered superficial wounds in the left arm and head, respectively.

The officers could not fire back at the suspects for fear of more bystanders would get hurt.

Both suspects made good their escape as two other policemen — SPO1 Tranquilino de la Cruz and PO2 Pedrito Azares — came to the aid of the duo.

Olasiman was rushed for treatment at the Manila Central University Hospital, but died at around 10:20 p.m.

"He was hit in the thigh, but he could have suffered from cardiac arrest," Guevarra told The STAR.

He said illegal jumper connections in Barangay Catmon have become quite rampant. Maintainers and protectors allegedly collect P50 a month from conniving residents for the privilege of enjoying stolen electricity.

The Malabon City police are conducting a massive manhunt operation against the two suspects, considered as armed and dangerous.