Armed men crash ex-cop’s party: 1 dead, 2 hurt

MANILA, Philippines - Two unidentified men crashed a party at a former policeman’s house in Caloocan City Wednesday night and shot at the partygoers, killing one and wounding two, including the host.

City police chief Senior Superintendent Rimas Calixto said Michael Pacheco, 41, was declared dead on arrival at the Nova General Hospital in Quezon City.

Pacheco’s partner, Maricris Palomo, 35, and their host, Rhoy Telles, were listed as in critical condition at the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City. Telles held the rank of Police Officer 1 when he was dismissed from the Special Action Force in 2007.

Witnesses said one attacker was wearing a white polo shirt while the other man wore a gray shirt.

Police Officer 2 Alcee Jumaquio said they have yet to establish the motive for the attack.

The victims were reportedly having a party at the second floor of Telles’ house when the attackers appeared at the stairway and shot at them. Scene of the Crime Operatives team leader Chief Inspector Mary Grace Alvarez said they recovered 13 empty cartridges, seven deformed slugs and a bullet, all from a .45 caliber pistol. It was not clear whether Telles was able to retaliate, investigators said.