Cop, cop-killer slain in shooting

MANILA, Philippines - A police officer was gunned down in front of his apartment at past midnight yesterday in Caloocan City, and his alleged killer was also shot dead minutes later by an unidentified gunman who fled with the cop-killer’s handgun.

Senior Superintendent Jude Santos, Caloocan City police chief, said Senior Police Officer 1 Julio Lobrin, 35, was about to alight from his red Honda Civic in front of his apartment along EDSA at around 1 a.m. when he was approached by a gunman who shot him in the head and face. Lobrin was killed on the spot.

His alleged killer, later identified as Wilson Torres, 38, a resident of Baliuag, Bulacan, was picking up the key to Lobrin’s car when another gunman appeared behind him and shot him in the left armpit. He also died on the spot.

The man who shot Torres took the latter’s 9mm pistol and fled in a gray Nissan X-Trail (XRG-981). STAR sources said the getaway car is registered to an “Atty. Tiglao” of Mabalacat, Pampanga, but noted the car could have been stolen before the double murder.

“We have two witnesses who could identify the suspect who shot Torres dead,” Santos Told The STAR.

Police recovered from the crime scene three shells for a 9mm pistol, Santos said.

Santos said documents recovered from Torres’ pockets showed he was facing cases of murder and illegal possession of firearm with the Malolos, Bulacan courts.

“Another document showed Torres had been released from prison only last February also for illegal possession of firearm,” Santos said.

He said they are still trying to determine the possible motive in the double murder.

“The case is quiet complex, but there are two most possible motives we are looking into Lobrin’s killing, it could be in relation to his previous assignment as an operative of the station anti-illegal drugs or it could be his business dealings,” Santos said.

At the time of his death, Lobrin was detailed with the station administrative unit.

Santos said Lobrin, whose widow is working in Japan, was a partner in a KTV bar that went bankrupt. Santos said they have invited Lobrin’s business partner to shed light on the policeman’s murder.

Torres’ widow, Myra, told investigators she is not aware of her husband’s activities and only knows he was a personal driver. They were married in 1992 and have four children.

She also said her husband stays more often with his mistress. Police sources said the mistress has called Torres’ cell phone, which was retrieved at the crime scene.