Suspect dies, cop hurt in Manila shootout

INQUIRER.net file image

MANILA, Philippines — An unidentified armed man was killed while a police officer was wounded in a shootout in Manila on Friday evening, police said Saturday.

In a report from the Ermita police station, members of Baseco police community precinct (PCP) led by Cpt. Salvador Inigo were conducting “Oplan Sita” along 2nd Street, Baseco in Port Area when they flagged down a tricycle with two male passengers at around 8:45 p.m.

According to witness Raul Esperanza, 47, who is a village watchman in Barangay 649 Zone 68, Cpl. Edmar Dixson Fesway, of Baseco PCP, was about to check the tricycle when one of the passengers shot him in the chest.

The suspects alighted from the tricycle to escape but law enforcers went after them. A brief firefight ensued, wounding one of the suspects while his cohort fled from the scene.

The suspect, believed to be aged 20 to 25 years old, was brought to the Gat Andres Bonifacio Medical Center where he later died.

Meanwhile, Fesway was rushed to the Manila Doctors Hospital and is now in stable condition.

Recovered were two .45 caliber firearm with magazine and rounds of ammunition; six fired cartride cases; and bag containing pieces of alleged drug paraphernalia.

Elements of Ermita police station will conduct hot pursuit operation to hunt down the suspect’s accomplice. /jpv