MANILA, Philippines -- A 33-year-old man was killed by Parañaque cops responding to an alleged gang war that erupted early morning Sunday.

SPO1 Reynaldo Arojado said Celso de los Santos, a construction worker and resident of Malugay Street, Barangay San Martin de Porres, was shot dead near his home after he allegedly fired at members of police community precinct 3 at around 2 a.m.

Initial investigation showed that two groups of men were in a scuffle when the cops arrived on the scene.

Armed with an improvised gun (sumpak), De los Santos reportedly shot at the officers who were forced to return fire.

The suspect was rushed to the Parañaque Doctors Hospital but was declared dead on arrival for multiple gunshot wounds.

Arojado said the shooting would be investigated further. He added that cops have been pursuing those who took part in the gang war.