MANILA, Philippines - A 25-man police team was dispatched yesterday to Rodriguez town in Rizal to prevent the escalation of violence following Thursday’s shootout that left a policeman and two supporters of rival politicians dead.
Senior Superintendent Ireneo Dordas, Rizal provincial director, directed elements of the Provincial Mobile Group and Special Weapons and Tactics to put up checkpoints and confiscate unlicensed firearms.
“We should not allow anybody to carry firearms to prevent more bloodshed,” Dordas told team leader Superintendent Norberto Solomon, Rizal police deputy director for operations.
Dordas said there is still no need to recommend Rodriguez as a poll hot spot, as “we are still on top of the peace and order situation.”
Last Thursday, municipal employee Ricardo Amata, a supporter of acting town Mayor Jonas Cruz, was shot dead at a public market.
Told about the incident, SPO2 Danny Zuñiga responded and shot it out with the suspect, Bhong Meldo, killing him in the process.
Unknown to Zuñiga, however, Meldo had a backup who shot the policeman at close range.