Cop kills barker fleeing from fistfight

An off-duty police officer shot dead a jeepney barker who tried to flee after figuring in a fistfight with a barangay official in Caloocan City yesterday morning.

The police said Barangay 182 residents beat up Police Officer 2 Robert Beleno of the Caloocan City police after he shot Nonoy Oliva, 24, in the thigh.

Beleno voluntarily surrendered to his superiors at the Police Substation 5 headquarters on Camarin Road.

Initial investigation showed Oliva got into a heated argument with Barangay 182 watchman Abeliardo Gatarin Sr. over some “traffic” issues at the jeepney terminal. Apparently, Oliva threw the first punch that led to a fistfight with Gatarin, who fell flat on the pavement. Oliva then fled on foot.

Beleno, who was passing by, saw the fistfight. He drew his gun and chased Oliva. When he got to within five meters of Oliva, Beleno shot the barker.

Witnesses said Beleno did not make an attempt to bring the victim to the hospital. Beleno, they said, tucked his gun into his waistband and turned to leave but residents ganged up on him.

Bystanders took Oliva to the North Caloocan General Hospital but Oliva was declared dead on arrival.   – Jerry Botial