Cop shoots landlord's son over unpaid rent

MANILA, Philippines - A rookie policeman reportedly shot his landlord’s son following an argument over six months’ unpaid rent in Pandacan, Manila before dawn yesterday.

In a report submitted by Pandacan police station chief Superintendent Ernesto Barlam to Manila Police District (MPD) director Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay, the incident happened at around 4:20 a.m.

Police Officer 1 James Patulot is reportedly being evicted from an apartment he was renting from the parents of victim Ronald Febiar, 37. Witnesses said Patulot was talking with the mother of Febiar when the victim butted in.

The argument escalated until Patulot allegedly shot Febiar repeatedly. Febiar, who sustained four gunshot wounds in the body, is confined at the Philippine General Hospital.

Patulot, who is detailed at the Southern Police District, reportedly failed to report to his unit following the shooting.

Chief Inspector Marcelo Reyes, chief of the MPD’s General Assignment Section, said he has ordered a manhunt for Patulot since he has not received any surrender feelers from the latter.