Shootout in Quiapo: 1 dead, 6 arrested

A 19-year-old Maranaw native was killed when a group of heavily armed Muslim men engaged Manila policemen in a 20-minute shootout during a police operation in Quiapo, Manila at past midnight yesterday.

The operation also resulted in the arrest of six people and the seizure of three caliber .45 pistols and ammunition.

The early morning raid was conducted following information that a group of armed Muslims, allegedly responsible for a series of killings and robberies in Sta. Cruz and Quiapo, were gathering in front of the Balikbayan Handicraft Center along C. Palanca street.

Wasting no time, a team of operatives from the homicide section of the Manila Police District (MPD) rushed to the area, where they accosted several men on board four motorcycles.

Team leader Chief Inspector Alejandro Yanquiling Jr. said the suspects tried to draw their firearms, but were overpowered by the police.

However, the suspects sought assistance from their fellow Muslims. Later, several men assaulted the officers by throwing bottles and stones.

When police retaliated by firing shots in the air, another group from the building rooftop opened fire.

Yanquiling said he sought assistance from other police units.

Eight cars and a team from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) reinforced his group.

The shootout lasted more than 20 minutes, during which several police cars were damaged.

A lone Muslim lay bloodied following the firefight.

Ali Bangcolo, alias Jamal Bangcolo, was declared dead on arrival at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center for a bullet wound in the body.

Arrested were Amir Casan, 36; Anzon Asan; Jomar Omar, 34; Othing Ulangkaya, 39; Vibencio Tapican, 27; and Akman Pinto, 26.

Casan later identified himself as a barangay councilman and a confidential agent of the military.

Charges of illegal possession of firearms, resisting arrest, assault upon a person in authority and damage to property were filed against the six suspects.