2 cops hurt in drunken brawl

MANILA, Philippines - Two policemen, one of them reportedly recently dismissed from service, landed in the hospital after figuring in a drunken brawl in Quezon City before dawn yesterday.

Police Officer 2 Christopher de Guzman faced off against Police Officer 3 Isaias Merced, 46, after a misunderstanding while in separate drinking sessions with their respective groups in Barangay San Vicente.

Merced stabbed De Guzman in the armpit while De Guzman shot Merced in the left thigh.

Police Officer 2 Louie Serbito said both policemen are being treated at separate hospitals following a confrontation at De Guzman’s neighborhood on Maayusin Extension in Barangay San Vicente.

Merced had gone to the area with his family to attend a relative’s birthday party. De Guzman was having a drinking session with some friends at a store in the area.

Merced’s son Ryuji and his friends were at the store to buy cigarettes when De Guzman asked him where he was from. The younger Merced did not take it lightly and instead left the store.

However, the son came back with his father, who argued with De Guzman.

PO2 Eduardo Roy, a common friend of the two policemen, tried to break up the fight but Merced allegedly pulled out a folding knife and attacked De Guzman, who drew his gun.