3 dead in Antipolo vendor-clearing operation

Manila, Philippines -  Three people were killed when efforts to clear a road in Antipolo City of vendors ended in a shootout yesterday.

Senior Superintendent Rolando Anduyan, Rizal police director, identified two of those killed as Marcelo Gamboa, 42, of the Ordinance Enforcement Division of the Public Order and Safety Department of the Antipolo City government, and Antonio Tapia, 56, a policeman assigned at the warrant section of the city police.

The third victim, a vendor, remained unidentified.

Anduyan said Gamboa was among city government employees and local policemen who conducted a vendor-clearing operation in Barangay Cogeo at around 8 a.m. yesterday.

After the successful operation, the team members went back to the Antipolo City Hall and were resting when they chanced upon the vendor selling assorted socks along M. L. Quezon Street in Barangay San Roque at around 10 a.m.

Gamboa was about to accost the vendor when the latter pulled out a handgun and opened fire at him.

Superintendent Rodino Elfa, Antipolo City police chief, said the vendor then closeted himself in a nearby toilet upon seeing the responding lawmen who were joined by Tapia.

When Tapia opened the toilet’s door, the vendor shot him in the chest, killing him on the spot.

Elfa said elements of the Special Weapons and Tactics opened fire at the vendor, killing him instantly.