Cop tagged in firecracker stall ambush axed

MANILA, Philippines - A policeman who reportedly shot it out with fellow police officers during a raid on an illegal fireworks stall in North Fairview, Quezon City has been relieved, an official said yesterday.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz said Police Officer 1 Faisal Mala, owner of the stall, waived his right to a regular preliminary investigation and would be detained as the fiscal determines if there is probable cause to indict him in court.

Mala will also be slapped with murder and frustrated murder charges. Police Officer 2 Bernardo Quintero was killed in the ambush while PO2 Jessie Adajar was hit in the leg. They were checking on the stall, which had been raided several days ago, when they were shot at by “snipers” in “combat positions,” according to investigators.

Mala would also be charged with violation of Republic Act 7183 or illegal manufacture, sale, distribution and use of firecrackers before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office.

Police said they were also tracking down three other men whose aliases were provided by witnesses.

Mala was tagged as among those who shot at policemen who raided his stall. He, however, denied having had anything to do with the attack and knowing the gunmen.

Chief Inspector Rodel Marcelo, head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit of the Quezon City Police District, said they found at the crime scene slugs from M16 and carbine rifles and those from .40mm and .9mm handguns.

Marcelo believes the snipers prepared for the return of the police after the area was raided several days ago.

Marcelo said Mala’s sister-in-law, Hanna Maoten-Shiekdugar, will also undergo inquest proceedings for illegal possession of a knife and violation of RA 7183.