Drug suspect shot dead in Manila City Hall

MANILA, Philippines - A policeman shot dead a drug suspect when the latter reportedly tried to snatch the service firearm of another policeman in the Manila City Hall’s police precinct before dawn yesterday.

Alejandro Marinas died before reaching Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center due to several gunshot wounds in his body.

A report at the Manila Police District homicide section showed that Marinas was arrested by operatives of District Special Project Unit (DSPU) for alleged drug trafficking upon complaints of officials of Barangays 11 and 12 in Tondo.

He was nabbed at around midnight at the corner of Osmena and Dandan Streets in Tondo and was brought to the DSPU office at the City Hall. A .38-caliber firearm and four sachets of shabu were reportedly recovered from Marinas.

At around 2:20 a.m., Marinas was allowed to use the toilet while being interrogated by Police Officer 3 Ernesto Segismundo.

Although handcuffed, the suspect allegedly suddenly grabbed the service firearm of another officer, PO2 Danton Capulong, on his way to the toilet.

This prompted Segismundo to shoot him. Already wounded, the suspect allegedly again tried to fire back, prompting the police officer to shoot him again.

Investigators from MPD said they were not inclined to investigate the incident for possible foul play. – Edu Punay