Cop in fatal traffic row still at large

MANILA, Philippines - A Quezon City police officer who reportedly gunned down a city government employee during a traffic altercation remains at large, an official said yesterday.

Investigators received a tip that Police Officer 1 Joe-nel Bayubay is hiding in his home province of Abra, said Chief Inspector Rodel Marcelo, who heads the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) criminal investigation and detection unit.

Bayubay was on emergency leave when he reportedly figured in a traffic altercation with 61-year-old Michael Martinez of the city government’s business permits and licensing office on Feb. 29, according to Kamuning police station commander Superintendent Limuel Obon.

His emergency leave ended on March 3 but he has yet to report for work, he said.

The QCPD filed a murder case against Bayubay on March 16. Inspector Elmer Monsalve, chief of the QCPD’s homicide investigation section, said Bayubay intended to kill Martinez since he fled after the incident.

Marcelo, however, clarified that they cannot yet arrest Bayubay since there is still no warrant for his arrest. He said Bayubay will have to appear during the inquest proceedings before the city prosecutor’s office.