2 cops slain in Caloocan shootout

MANILA, Philippines - Two police officers were gunned down by two men they accosted for carrying guns in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City at past noon yesterday.

Senior Police Officers 3 Tom Perez and Tirzo Roncales, assigned to the mobile patrol unit, were driving their motorcycles when they spotted two men having lunch at an eatery, the backs of their waistbands bulging with what looked like handguns.

Rather than heed the police officers, the two men sped away on a motorcycle. When they were cornered after a brief chase, the two men ran for the narrow alleys along Baluarte street.

When the policemen followed the two men, the latter drew handguns and shot Perez. Roncales tried to fight back. Both lawmen died on the spot.

Initial reports identified one of the men as “PO3 Castillo,” allegedly a dismissed Quezon City policeman.