4 hurt as cops clash in Tondo

Four persons, including three policemen, were wounded in a reported shootout in Tondo, Manila Wednesday night.

Reports reaching the General Assignment Section of the Western Police District said the incident happened at about 11:25 p.m. on Dandan street corner F. Varona street and involved two policemen of the Ermita police station, six Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) personnel assigned at the Moriones, Tondo, police station and a civilian.

Those involved in the shootout were identified as Senior Police Officer 1 Ernesto Ching and Police Officer 3 Manalo Ching 32, residents of 1745 F. Varona St., Tondo, both detailed with the Ermita police station; PO1s Rommel Angeles, 25, of Road 11 Pag-Asa St., Maynard Mercado, 25, of 195 D Arellano St., Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City, Freddie Barrientos, 23, of 204 Mangahan St., Pamplona, Las Piñas City, Ferdinand Ibarra, 23, of St. Domingo, Echague, Isabela, Tanacio Leselis, 25, of Sadangga, Mountain Province, and Efren Bagapuro, 25, of Block 16, Lot 2, Ana Village, Marikina City; and civilian Renato Ching.

Wounded in the incident were PO1 Bagapuro, SPO1 Ernesto Ching, P03 Manalo Ching and Renato Ching. They were rushed to the Mary Johnston Hospital and to the Metropolitan Hospital by concerned citizens after the incident.

When interviewed by investigators, Bagapuro claimed that they were on their way home after attending the birthday party of an uncle of one of their SAF comrades in Varona street when the incident happened.

According to Bagapuro, they were accosted by Renato Ching, who introduced himself as a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy and asked them why they were carrying guns.

Bagapuro said Ching then went home and returned with a caliber .38 revolver.

Bagapuro said Ching then suddenly opened fire at his group prompting them to return fire. SPO1 Ching and P03 Ching told police that they were awakened by gunfire and rushed to aid their brother Renato but were also allegedly shot by the allegedly drunk SAF men.

Another witness, Ponso Ching, 23, told police that he saw a man wearing a white t-shirt and fatigue pants kicking Renato Ching. He then saw the unidentified man draw a pistol and shoot Ching several times at close range.

Chief Inspector Eduardo Villena, WPD-GAS chief said that they have, under custody for investigation, the six SAF personnel involved in the incident and the Ching brothers. All those involved were subjected to paraffin tests.

Meanwhile, Villena also ordered ballistics tests conducted on the 9mm service firearms of the police officers and on the caliber .38 Smith and Wesson revolver allegedly fired by Renato Ching.