Suspect in killing of 3 DPWH men hunted

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – Four police teams have been dispatched to hunt down the suspect in the killing of three employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Mulanay, Quezon Friday night.

Senior Superintendent Valeriano de Leon, Quezon police director, said the tracker teams are hot on the trail of the gunman identified as Romel Rosete.

Rosete was positively identified by witnesses as the one who shot dead Ronald Monterey, 28; Jason Rodelas, 23; and Celso Red, 24 and wounded four others.

De Leon said the wounded victims – Zaldy Prado, Diovino Degalicia, Arman Almero and Menurdo Abdella – are still recuperating at the Quezon Medical Center.

The suspect opened fire at the victims shortly after they parked their vehicle near a neighborhood store in Barangay Pakiing to buy cigarettes.

Initial reports said that Rosete was annoyed when the suspects parked their L-300 van (SFA-586) without turning off the lights.

The suspect escaped on a motorcycle after the shooting incident.

Police recovered 14 empty shells from a caliber .45 pistol at the scene.

“We are readying the multiple murder and frustrated murder charges to be filed against the suspect on Monday,” De Leon told The STAR.

He said they are planning to put up a P100,000 reward to anyone who can provide information that would lead to the suspect’s arrest.

De Leon said police checkpoints were established in entry and exits points in Quezon province to arrest the suspect.