Cop tagged in Tondo woman's slay charged

MANILA, Philippines -  The Manila Police District filed murder charges yesterday against a Caloocan City policeman wanted for the killing of a woman from Tondo, Manila.

Police Officer 2 Allan Tolentino has reportedly gone on AWOL (absent without official leave) since the killing of Lilibeth de la Cruz, 27, last week at her residence in Tondo, according to homicide section chief Inspector Armando Macaraeg.

The MPD launched a massive manhunt against Tolentino after he reneged on his promise to surrender. Several witnesses identified him as the one who shot De la Cruz, according to Macaraeg.

Tolentino went to his cousin Jonathan Huertazela’s house to demand payment for a loan. However, Huertazela’s live-in partner, De la Cruz, tried to stop him from entering the house.

Huertazela said he heard a gunshot and saw his partner bleeding from a wound in the stomach, while Tolentino stood at the door holding a gun. Tolentino also threatened to disturb him until he paid his debt. 

Macaraeg said Tolentino called him up and expressed his intention to surrender and even hinted at a desire to reach a financial settlement with his cousin for the killing of his live-in partner. Tolentino was also allegedly involved in financing the illegal drug trade in Tondo.