Ex-cop’s slay suspect wounded in ‘shootout’

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — A suspect in the murder of a retired policeman was wounded in an alleged shootout in Calamba, Laguna at dawn yesterday.

Rudy Matampale was brought to the Jose Rizal Hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound, according to Lt. Col. Chitadel Gaoiran, spokesperson for the Calabarzon police.

Matampale and his cohort, identified only as Noli, were tagged in the murder of retired police lieutenant Arnel Tobes, 48, whose body was found in Barangay Janopol Oriental in Tanauan, Batangas on Monday night.

Noli was arrested in Cabuyao a few hours after the body was found on Monday. Seized from his possession was a car owned by the victim.

Police tracked down Matampale in Barangay Paciano. He allegedly drew his gun and fired shots at the arresting team.

Probers are eyeing carjacking as the motive for the killing.