Cop, tanod slain in Pasig; 1 suspect killed, 1 arrested

MANILA, Philippines - A drunken construction worker was shot dead while his companion was arrested minutes after they reportedly killed a policeman and a barangay tanod in Pasig City yesterday.

Arnel de Guzman, 41, a native of Guinobatan, Albay died on the spot while his companion, Salvador Obina, 42, tried to escape but was cornered by Pasig City policemen.

Witnesses identified De Guzman and Obina as the primary suspects in the killing of Police Officer 2 Roel Tapalla, 36, and barangay security force member Rodel Castro, 32.

Chief Superintendent Miguel Laurel, director of the Eastern Police District (EPD) said Tapalla had just gotten off work at Barangay Orando and was on his way home with Castro when they chanced upon De Guzman and Obina quarrelling in the middle of Merrylane street in Barangay Kapitolyo at about 1 a.m. yesterday.

Tapalla and Castro tried to intervene but De Guzman repeatedly stabbed Tapalla while Obina attacked Castro, city police chief Senior Superintendent Mario Rariza said.

De Guzman was shot when he tried to stab one of several police officers who cornered him at a construction site on Saint Martin street in Barangay Kapitolyo while Obina was caught hiding nearby.

Obina faces charges of double murder and violating the Omnibus Election Code.