Ex-SAF man slain in QC shootout

MANILA, Philippines - A former police officer died when he allegedly traded shots with policemen who spotted him while fleeing after he shot and killed his enemy at a Quezon City market.

Marvin Evangelista, 42, died of a gunshot wound to the head following the incident at past 3 p.m. Tuesday, said Inspector Elmer Monsalve, head of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) homicide investigation section.

Monsalve said Evangelista was a former member of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (SAF).

The slain suspect yielded a Taurus caliber .45 gun, police said.

Prior to the shootout, investigators said Evangelista gunned down Antonio Dizon at a market in Novaliches for still unknown reason.

The former SAF officer escaped on a motorcycle without license plates after the attack.

QCPD Station 4 commander Superintendent Norberto Babagay, who was then giving instructions to policemen on motorcycles along Quirino Highway, heard the gunshots.

Babagay’s team blocked the fleeing suspect. However, instead of surrendering, Evangelista opened fire at the police, prompting the latter to return fire, killing him on the spot.

A bystander, Artemio Tepaje, was hurt after being hit by a stray bullet, police said.