A POLICEMAN surrendered yesterday hours after shooting to death the brother of his live-in partner in Pasay City, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reported.
The cop — Staff Sgt. Ruel Lacuesta — is assigned to the Regional Personnel Holding Admin Section of the NCRPO in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.
Police said Lacuesta and his live-in partner, Given Teves, had a heated argument in Don Carlos Village in Barangay 190 Zone 20, Pasay City at around 1 a.m. yesterday.
During the argument, police said Lacuesta pulled his firearm and opened fire at Teves, who managed to avoid being hit.
But the bullet hit the chest of Teves’ brother, Ramon Teves, who was brought to a hospital but was declared dead at around 1:35 a.m.
Lacuesta fled, prompting Pasay City policemen to launch an operation for his arrest.
Lacuesta later sent surrender feelers to the Pasay City police station.
He was fetched by cops in Barangay Mamatid, Cabuyao, Laguna at 9:38 a.m. yesterday. He turned over his firearm, a 9 mm pistol with 10 bullets.
Lacuesta is currently detained at the Pasay City police station, facing charges of murder, attempted murder, violence against women and children, and violation of the Omnibus Election Code.
NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez commended the policemen who swiftly acted on the case.
“Although the incident is very disappointing since it involves our personnel, I commend our men who performed their job regardless of who is involved,” said Nartatez.
“We do not condone wrongdoings especially if it involves our men. We assure the victim and his family that an accurate and thorough investigation will be conducted so justice can be served,” added Nartatez.