By MARTIN A. SADONGDONG
Police are hunting down two drug suspects who killed the deputy police chief of Cainta, Rizal during an armed encounter Sunday night in Barangay San Andres, Cainta.
Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa ordered the arrest of Robin Gomez, alias “Ruben Tae,” of Block 3, Lakas Bisig, West Bank Road, Cainta and an unidentified cohort who engaged responding policemen in a shootout.
Killed was Senior Insp. Jimmy Senosin who was with three other policemen who confronted the suspects patrolling the streets with a caliber .45 pistol and sub-machine gun tucked on their waists.
The moment they saw the policemen, the suspects allegedly lobbed a hand grenade and opened fire.
Fortunately, the grenade did not explode, but the officers found Senosin down with a head wound, according to PNP spokesman Chief Supt. John Bulalacao said.
The policemen gave chase and called for backup to bring the wounded deputy chief to the hospital.
The cops followed the suspects to a house where they stumbled into two other drug suspects repacking suspected shabu in the second floor, according to Bulalacao.
Police identified the couple as Ronaldo Idolog, 44, and Josephine Lachica, 29. It wasn’t clear if all four suspects are connected to the illegal drug business.
Meanwhile, Senosin was rushed to the Pasig City General Hospital where he died around 2 a.m. yesterday while undergoing treatment.
Bulalacao said Dela Rosa has assured Senosin’s bereaved family that justice will be served and financial assistance will be provided.
“He also cautioned the police operatives to be more careful and vigilant in conducting police operations especially against illegal drug suspects,” he added.
Police said Senosin’s alleged killers are members of the “Highway Boys,” a group of notorious bus holdup men and snatchers that has turned to drug trafficking.
Senosin’s body was brought to Funeraria St. Peter in Binangonan, Rizal.