Retired cop tagged in reporter’s murder

MANILA, Philippines – A retired policeman was linked to the killing of tabloid reporter Alex Balcoba in Quiapo, Manila last week, police confirmed yesterday.

The “person of interest” had a long-standing spat with Balcoba, 56, a reporter of People’s Brigada, an investigator of the Manila Police District (MPD) said.

Balcoba was buried yesterday at La Loma Cemetery.

Senior Inspector Rommel Anicete, MPD homicide chief, said they have talked to the former policeman, who denied any participation in the crime.

The former police officer, however, admitted that he and Balcoba nearly exchanged blows along Evangelista street weeks before the victim was shot dead in front of his watch repair shop in Quiapo on May 27.

 Anicete said the former policeman’s rift with Balcoba started after the Crown Building was demolished in 2012.

Anicete said the two swapped charges against each other but the cases were reportedly dismissed.

MPD Press Corps president Francis Naguit called on the authorities to solve Balcoba’s murder.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Joel Pagdilao has ordered the MPD to solve Balcoba’s murder.

Pagdilao directed the MPD to arrest the gunman and the mastermind of the crime at the soonest time.

“We should leave no stone unturned in our effort to get the killers of Balcoba,” he said.