Roxas cites policeman slain in shootout

MANILA, Philippines - Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II recommended yesterday that a policeman killed in a shootout in Navotas City Saturday be given a promotion.

Senior Police Officer 4 Hector Laceda died when he and other policemen served an arrest warrant on Raymond Mangali, who was wanted for murder in Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela.

Mangali, who was also killed in the shootout, was among the most wanted fugitives in Metro Manila and reportedly led a gun-for-hire syndicate in Navotas.

Roxas said he has asked National Capital Regional Police Office chief Director Carmelo Valmoria to give the appropriate promotion and citation for Laceda.

Roxas said he hopes Laceda’s death “will not be in vain and his death will show many police officers are willing to offer their life in serving the public.”