Two gunmen were wounded in a shootout with police officers who confronted them for allegedly killing a former Manila City Jail inmate in Tondo, Manila, early Wednesday, January 21.
According to the Manila Police District (MPD), the fatal shooting occurred at around 2 a.m. at the corner of Cavite Street and Alcalde Street, Barangay 171, Gagalangin, Tondo, where the victim was found lying face down on the pavement with multiple gunshot wounds. Several spent bullet shells were recovered beside the body.
The victim was identified as Angelo Pidlaoan, 32, a resident of Barangay 155, Tondo. He died at the scene.
Police said responding officers caught the suspects in the act of firing at the victim. When confronted, the suspects allegedly introduced themselves as police officers. However, instead of surrendering, they reportedly continued shooting, prompting officers to return fire.
One of the suspects, Roberto De Guzman, alias “Onyok Duleng,” 27, was shot during the confrontation and rushed to Tondo Medical Center.
The second suspect, Jhiro Beninsig, 27, managed to flee aboard a motorcycle but was later arrested while seeking treatment for a gunshot wound at Chinese General Hospital, police said.
Both suspects are currently undergoing treatment under police guard.
Police recovered a .40-caliber Glock pistol with magazine and ammunition, along with 10 fired cartridge cases, from the crime scene. They were submitted for forensic examination.
Based on information from the victim’s family, Pidlaoan had recently been released from the Manila City Jail after being detained in connection with an illegal drugs case.
Police are investigating the motive behind the shooting and are verifying whether the suspects had any legitimate ties to law enforcement.
Appropriate criminal charges will be filed against the suspects, police said. (Diann Calucin)
