Wednesday, October 03, 2007 Suspect in shooting of cop gets arrested
THE alleged gunman in the shooting of PO2 Michael Cortes in the southern town of Barili, Cebu was arrested in a manhunt operation by the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Bureau (CIIB) and the Mandaue City Police Office.
Randy Adlawan, 35, was arrested in his house in Sitio Urel, Barangay Banilad, Mandaue City past 6 p.m. last Monday. He was in possession of a Colt .45 pistol and 12 pieces of live ammunition.
Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Patrocinio Comendador said that Adlawan will be charged with violation of the election gun ban.
Adlawan, who is on parole for a murder case, denied he attempted to kill Cortes.
Cortes, a member of the Barili Police Station, escaped attempts to shoot him at the market in Barangay Mantalongon last Thursday.
Adlawan allegedly called Cortes while the latter was at the market. As Cortes turned around, Adlawan allegedly shot him from behind.
Adlawan missed his target several times.
A report submitted to the CPPO stated that Adlawan was being targeted for a buy-bust and that he is on the police station’s watch list of suspected drug personalities.
Adlawan, however, said he went to the market to eat when two men he later learned was Cortes and one Benson Aldemita called him for questioning.
He described the two men as “drunk.”
When he headed towards them, he saw Cortes pull out a gun, prompting him to run away. Adlawan said it was the policeman who shot him. He heard three gunshots. (JST)
