A 38-year-old policeman was shot dead Friday night by two motorcycle-riding gunmen in Ermita, Manila.
PO2 Erickson Peralta, who is assigned to the Manila Police District theft and robbery section, was on his way home to Tondo, Manila aboard his motorcycle when he was ambushed at the corner of J. Bocobo and Padre Faura Streets about 7:46 p.m., according to police reports.
Peralta was shot multiple times and died on the spot. He was wearing a white shirt, black shorts, and a pair of slippers. His service firearm and valuables were not taken by the gunmen.
Responding policemen sealed off the crime scene.
Witnesses told police that there were four other people aboard two motorcycles who served as back-up.
A security guard of a nearby condominium said he heard successive shots and rushed out to check only to see the victims down along with his motorcycle, according to SPO4 Ronald Gallo.
Gallo said he tried and failed to get more witnesses to talk.
Recovered from the crime scene were four empty shells and a deformed slug of a caliber .45.
Police were still looking for possible motives for the attack.
Gallo joined the police force in 2001. His last assignment before his current post was at the MPD Station 9.
(JAIMIE ABERIA)