By Robert B. Roque, Jr.
On the evening of March 12, 2022, news broke out that a Chinese national went on a shooting rampage, killing one security guard and wounding two others at Mulberry Place condominium at the Acacia Estates in Barangay Bambang, Taguig City.
Brigadier General Jimili Macaraeg, Southern Police District director, identified the gunman as Tan Xing, 22, a resident of Tower B Shore Residences, Pasay City. Major Gen. Felipe Natividad, NCRPO director, was quick to order a manhunt for not only did Tan shoot three people in cold blood, but he also hijacked a gray Honda City car (DR-2911) to use as his getaway vehicle.
Unfortunately, there has been no new report from the Philippine National Police (PNP) since March 14: No trace of the Honda sedan; no update on the make of the gun used in the shooting or why Tan was even able to gain possession of a firearm; and no suspect in custody.
It borders on the pathetic that police seem to be relying solely on the likelihood that – maybe, perhaps, or by chance – anyone who knows the suspect and has seen him or the carnapped vehicle would be making this breakthrough call to the Taguig City Police’s telephone no. 8642-2062.
If that’s the case, the investigation is as dead as poor victim SG Joel Pacana of Alcatraz Security agency or as debilitated as the two other guards – Noriel Pojas and Hermoso Cordero – who thankfully survived being downed by bullets.
And that’s a pity, because how can the SPD face a blank wall when it supposedly already profiled the suspect Tan – who reportedly went by the name Tan Zhenan and was previously arrested and jailed in Paranaque City last January? In fact, he was released only days before the shooting at Mulberry Place and the SPD has his mug shot.
Gen. Dionardo Carlos, PNP Chief, must realize that his men have big questions to answer in this case like, for example: Is it true that illegal drugs were found at the condo unit at Mulberry Place visited by Tan? Was that the root of his commotion with three other supposed Chinese guys, as neighbors suspect?
This Chinese mainlander is armed and dangerous – a murderer in the eyes of many who have seen the CCTV footage of his vicious attack on the three Filipino security officers. Are we to assume that, by one corrupt way or another, foreigners like these have their way with the PNP to secure a license to own and possess a firearm (LTOPF) even if the mere thought of it is illegal?
It’s loathsome enough to hear street-smart stories that these Chinese nationals – many of them POGO investors – roam around the capital with police escorts paid anywhere from P1,500 to P3,000 per day depending on the rank on their shoulders? Is that a tall tale, a long story, or a long-held fact that has cheapened the ranks of the PNP?
What’s taking your guys so long to answer these questions, Gen. Carlos? What gives?
* * *
SHORT BURSTS. For comments or reactions, email firingline@ymail.com or tweet @Side_View. Read current and past issues of this column at https://www.thephilbiznews.com
