Bulacan cop shoots merchant, pal dead

MALOLOS CITY — A police officer gunned down a businessman and his companion after a verbal tussle in a restaurant in Angat town early Friday morning

Superintendent Sheldon Jacaban, provincial intelligence and investigation chief, identified the fatalities as trader Gerardo Almadrones, 42, and Roberto Cruz, 40.

Investigation showed that the suspect, SPO2 Eduardo Valencia, 45, together with SPO3 Leopoldo Ignacio and municipal radio operator Daniel de Guzman, entered the Elizabeth restaurant in Barangay Sta. Cruz at about 3 a.m.

Moments later, Cruz, along with one Rosendo Lipana, entered the eatery and joined Valencia’s group. Almadrones joined them later.

During their conversation, Cruz reportedly said, "Sarhento, hindi ako nagtutulak ng droga, pumapatay lang ako ng tao (Sergeant, I don’t sell illegal drugs; I just kill people.)"

Hearing this, Valencia pulled out his gun and shot Cruz. Almadrones stood up but he, too, was shot.

The two died at the hospital while being treated for their gunshot wounds.

Valencia gave himself up to Superintendent Aurelio Ducay, Angat police chief, hours later.