One dead, three hurt in Quiapo shootout

A cook was killed after he shot it out with elements of the Western Police District-Special Weapons and Tactics (WPD-SWAT) team trying to arrest him for shooting and wounding two SWAT policemen and a civilian in Quiapo, Manila yesterday afternoon.

Superintendent Manolo Martinez, chief of the WPD-Station 4, said the fatality was identified as Chris Rivera, a native of Romblon. He died on the spot due to multiple gunshot wounds in the body.

"We had two officers down and we had no other option," said Martinez, who was among the police officers, who tried to pacify and arrest Rivera.

According to Martinez, Rivera shot and wounded SPO1 Jose Dado and PO2 Ranilo Florez, both SWAT operatives and Alexander Rey, 33, a civilian at around 4:15 p.m.

Martinez said the policemen were taken to the University of Santo Tomas Hospital for treatment while Rey was taken to the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, where he was reported to be in serious condition.

Reports showed that Rivera, Rey and several friends were having a drinking session near the Romeo Laurente Building on Quezon Boulevard at the back of Far Eastern University when Rivera suddenly shot Rey.

Upon receiving reports of the shooting, SWAT operatives went to the scene, but Rivera ran inside the building and went to the fourth floor, where he hid inside a comfort room.

Martinez, along with WPD director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong, tried to negotiate for the peaceful surrender of Rivera, but to no avail.

"Instead of surrendering, the suspect opened fire at us prompting our men to retaliate. It was a case of clear and present danger," Martinez said in a telephone interview.