Batangas cop slain by pal

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna , Philippines   â€“ A 50-year-old senior police officer was shot dead by a friend following a verbal tussle over a vehicle registration deal, in Lipa City, Batangas yesterday morning, authorities said.

The victim, SPO3 Arthur Laurel, assigned with the San Pascual town police in Batangas, was gunned down by his friend Edwin Mission in Sitio Tower, Barangay Maraway at around 8:30 a.m. yesterday, according to Inspector Mary Anne Torres, Batangas police spokesperson.

Torres said Laurel died of multiple gunshot wounds, while Mission escaped after the shooting.

Prior to the incident, Torres said Laurel had sought Mission’s help for the registration of a truck, but the latter failed to do so. This triggered the verbal tussle that led to the shooting.

A manhunt was launched against Mission and criminal charges were being readied against him, Torres said. – With Arnell Ozaeta