1 killed, 4 wounded in Tondo street gang fight

What was supposed to be a merry birthday celebration in Tondo, Manila,became bloody after one person was shot dead and four others were wounded in a street gang shooting.

Shot dead was Jaime Gapido, 26, of T. Earnshaw Street, Gagalangin. Those wounded were identified as Rodel Abuloc, 22, of 2764 Molave Street; Ronald Manabat, 19, of 2629 Dagupan Street; Ronaldo Sarcoz, 40, of 661 Del Fiero Street, Gagalangin; and Rodelio Sarcoz, 42, alos of 661 Del Fiero Street, Gagalangin; all residents of Tondo.

According to police investigation, the victims were attending the birthday party of a certain Jonas Banua, reportedly a member of the True Brown Style (TBS) gang, in a vacant lot at the back of the Tondo Health Center along Juan Luna Street in Gagalangin at about 11:30 p.m. when suspect Jeff Mapa, 23, and two other unidentified men, reportedly members of the rival West Coast Gang, arrived.

Police said Mapa went to Banua’s house, which was located nearby, and was seen walking out minutes later.

According to police, Mapa then passed by the vacant lot where some 50 persons were celebrating at Banua’s birthday party.

Without warning, Mapa, police said, allegedly pulled out a 9 mm pistol and randomly shot at the crowd.

Gapido, who sustained four gunshot wounds in the body, was taken to the Chinese General Hospital, but was declared dead on arrival by attending physicians. The other victims were rushed to the Ospital ng Maynila where they were treated for bullet wounds in the legs.

Police said Mapa and his two unidentified companions then later fled on foot after the shooting. They are now being hunted by the police. – Mike Frialde