Ex-cop charged for attacking family, tanods

MANILA, Philippines - A dismissed policeman was charged Sunday night after he tried to burn down his house – with his wife and two children still inside – and shooting at police officers and village watchmen on Saturday.

Julius Alatraca, 43, was subjected to inquest proceedings for attempted homicide, illegal possession of firearms, attempted arson, and alarm and scandal, said Superintendent Eleazar Mata, commander of Quezon City Police District’s Station 6.

Alatraca, whose rank was senior inspector, was last assigned to the Police Security and Protection Group.

The incident started when watchmen went to his house in Barangay Commonwealth on Saturday afternoon to confront him about his eatery, which occupied the sidewalk.

He shot at the village watchmen, who sought help from police. Policemen arrived but Alcantara still refused to come out and locked himself in with his family.

During negotiations, Alcantara even fired his gun at policemen and tried to burn his house.

After four hours, policemen barged into the house, arrested the suspect and seized his .22 caliber pistol.