Cop killer found dead

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — An ex-convict who killed a policeman Monday night was discovered dead Tuesday morning in a sugarcane field several meters away from the crime scene in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, police said.

Suspect Joy Voluntate, also tagged as Kabankalan's "public enemy number 1," was able to escape after killing PO2 Rafael Gemoto, 45, but he was reportedly injured, too.

Superintendent Calixto Mabugat, Kabankalan City Police chief, said Voluntate may have died from loss of blood, while hiding from pursuing policemen after killing Gemoto.

The shoot-out between Gemoto and Voluntate at Coloso Extension, also claimed the life of Noel Garcia, a tricycle driver, who was reportedly caught in the crossfire.

Mabugat said he will recommend a posthumous award for Gemoto in recognition of his gallantry in action. "Gemoto offered his life to neutralize Kabankalan's public enemy number one," he said. - THE FREEMAN