Retired cop shot dead after killing trike driver

Responding policemen gunned down a retired policeman minutes after he had killed a tricycle driver in Binangonan, Rizal last Saturday night.

Retired SPO4 Joselito Miranda Sr., 52, of San Mateo, Rizal, died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds. A caliber .45 automatic pistol was found in his possession.

Senior Superintendent Freddie Panen, Rizal police director, said Miranda shot it out with his former colleagues after he had attacked tricycle driver Herminio Palatino, 56, along the Manila East Road in Binangonan town.

Palatino and his wife, Cristina, were in a tricycle parked in front of the Land Transportation Office building when Miranda arrived on board his unlicensed green Toyota Corolla at about 7 p.m.

Miranda rushed out of his vehicle and with his gun drawn, walked toward Palatino. Without a word, he shot Palatino twice in the head.

The retired policeman then went after Cristina who escaped at the height of the shooting of her husband. Palatino fired at her several times, but missed.

Panen said Cristina ran toward the Angono police station, at least 75 meters away, and reported the incident.

He said Miranda was about to escape on board his car when responding Angono policemen blocked his path and asked him to give up.

Instead of surrendering, Miranda, however, rushed out of his car and fired at the Angono policemen who shot back, killing him on the spot.

Panen said Miranda was mad at Palatino whom he had suspected of reporting his alleged tong collection on tricycle drivers plying the area.

Records showed that Miranda, formerly assigned to the Rodriguez town police, filed for optional retirement last year.