SPD to probe cops tagged in fire volunteer's slay

MANILA, Philippines - The Southern Police District (SPD) has created a fact-finding team to investigate Makati police officers involved in the death of volunteer firefighter Ronald Infante two weeks ago, an official said yesterday.

Superintendent Jenny Tecson, SPD spokesperson, said SPD director Chief Superintendent Benito Estipona ordered the panel’s creation to determine if “there were lapses” in the police operation last April 1.

Tecson said the panel is composed of policemen from the district’s investigation and intelligence divisions, and legal affairs and human rights offices.

Infante and his companion, Jerry Almanon, were killed in an alleged shootout by members of the city Police Community Precinct 3. The two were on a motorcycle when they were allegedly mistaken for robbers while traversing Osmeña Highway. They were accused of trying to rob an LBC van that night.

Infante was a businessman who also headed the Manila-Setba (Severino, Tayabas, Batangas) Fire Volunteer Brigade. He was laid to rest yesterday, with his family and friends lamenting his demise.