A TRAFFIC officer was shot dead the other night in Sta. Cruz, Manila in what police believe to have been caused by a ‘love triangle.’

Manila Police District-Homicide Section chief Maj. Joey de Ocampo said that traffic officer SPO1 Rodrigo Llagas Cortez Jr. of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Highway Patrol Group, and 425 Gerona St., Tondo, Manila, died on the spot due to gunshot wounds in the body.

De Ocampo bared that based on initial investigation, the gunman was reportedly seen in the company of the victim’s ex-girlfriend before the shooting happened.

A witness, he said, has come forward to describe the woman who is said to be with the suspect who is in his 30s, about 5’5" tall and armed with a .9mm pistol.

A report prepared by homicide prober SPO1 Ramir Dimagiba said the incident took place around 9 p.m. along Natividad Street in  Sta. Cruz, Manila.  

Unknown to Cortez, the suspect had been reportedly following him as he walked along the said street, until the suspect drew a gun and fired at him several times.

Once the victim fell on the ground, the suspect checked if he was dead and then ran toward Oroquieta Street where he boarded a passenger jeepney going to Tayuman, the report stated.                                     

While all these happened, witnesses told the police a woman served as a lookout and boarded a motorcycle right after the shooting. Said motorcycle was reportedly parked near the Chowking restaurant at the corner of Tayuman and M. Natividad Sts.

An investigation is now underway to establish the identity of the woman and the suspect, as well as the motive for the killing.