1 killed, two wounded in Sta. Cruz

A shootout last Sunday night in Sta. Cruz, Manila, left one person dead and five others wounded, including a policeman.

Killed in the incident was Ronald Reyes, 29, of 2992 Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila. Those wounded were identified as retired Manila policeman Norman Tolosa, 54, of 3000-B Rizal Avenue and Senior Police Officer 1 Jayson Magbitang, 29, of the Sta. Ana Police Station. They were rushed to the Chinese General Hospital.

Also wounded in the incident and rushed to the same hospital were Ronel Matudan, 14, student, of 2616 Aba de Santos St., Tambunting, Tondo; Richard Tolosa, 28, driver, of 3000-B Rizal Ave.; and Reinier Reyes, 18, messenger, of 2992 Rizal Ave., Manila.

Initial investigation showed that prior to the incident, a certain Ryan Nery was allegedly slapped by an unidentified employee of a furniture store in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

Nery later reported the incident to his father, Jose, who was then drinking with Magbitang and two policemen identified as Police Officer 3 Michael Iman and a certain Police Officer 2 Roger.

Magbitang and the group proceeded to the scene of the slapping but were met by the Reyeses and several male companions.

Gunshots then rang out, and Ronald was hit once in the chest while Reinier was bludgeoned.

Police said Norman Tolosa then came out and grappled for Magbitang’s service firearm. It was at this point that Senior Police Officer 1 Socrates Tolosa, a member of the Tarlac Police drew his gun and shot Magbitang, triggering the shootout.

Tolosa later surrendered to police for investigation. He also submitted his caliber .45 pistol and service 9mm pistol for examination. – Mike Frialde