2 dead, 3 hurt in Manila shootout

MANILA, Philippines — An alleged shootout between two security guards and police officers in Manila on Friday night left two persons dead and three others wounded.

Police officers had set up a checkpoint at the corner of Rizal Avenue and Soler steet at around 9:50 p.m., according to a statement from the Manila Police District (MPD).

The team – all personnel of the MPD Meisic station’s Tactical Motorcycle Rider Unit – was led by Capt. Jeric Salandanan and had S/Sgt. Eugene Tonizul, SSg. Bong Alvin Olayres, SSg. Christoren Almachar, Cpl. Raymark Laurena and Cpl. Raymond Ocampo as members.

Tonizul flagged down security guards Wilfredo Marquez Jr. and Bobby Alconera, who were riding a motorcycle with two of the license plate numbers covered with electrical tape.

The men “became unruly and uncooperative” when police ordered them to undergo inspection, according to the MPD.

Marquez reportedly fired at the police, resulting in a shootout. Marquez died at the scene while Alconera sustained minor injuries.

Bystander Rosemarie Depaudhon, 47, was caught in the crossfire. She was pronounced dead at the Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital, the MPD reported.

Two police officers were wounded in the encounter. Laurena was hit in the right eye while a bullet grazed Ocampo’s left ear.

Police recovered sling bags from both men. Alconera’s sling bag contained personal belongings and a .45-caliber pistol loaded with seven bullets while Marquez had a .45-caliber pistol. Both firearms are reported unlicensed.

Fifty-nine bullet casings were recovered at the scene.

National Capital Region Police Office director Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. declared that the bullets that killed Depaudhon came from Marquez, according to radio reports.