Alleged hitmen fall in Manila shootout

MANILA, Philippines - Two alleged hired killers were arrested following a shootout at Parola Compound in Manila Wednesday night.

Three persons were wounded in the gunfight.

Police Officer 1 Anthony Quilantang is undergoing treatment at the Manila Orthopedic Center for a gunshot wound in his left knee. Confined at the same hospital is William Boco, a civilian who was hit in the foot.

Suspect Marvin Mendano, 21, is undergoing treatment at Gat Andres Bonifacio Hospital for gunshot wounds in both legs.

Mendano is under arrest together with his alleged accomplice Edward Pamiruyam, 31. Pamiruyam, who opted to surrender, was unhurt.

Mendano and Pamiruyam belong to the Sinaya gang, whose members are allegedly hired killers and responsible for the illegal drug trade in Parola and Baseco in Manila and some parts of Cavite.

Mendano and Pamiruyam alone reportedly killed 10 people, said Senior Inspector John Guiagui, commander of the Delpan police community precinct.

He said the two suspects reportedly killed drug peddlers who do not remit their earnings, police informants or those who oppose their group.

Guiagui said a concerned citizen called them about the two suspects who were walking in Parola Compound. “We were called in because they may be out to kill someone,” he said.

When the police officers called the attention of the two men near the compound’s Gate 7, the two ran away. When the suspects reached Gate 57, which was about 10 to 15 meters away, Mendano reportedly started shooting at the police officers chasing them.

Mendano was armed with  9mm and .22 caliber pistols while Pamiruyam was armed with a pen gun and a .45 caliber pistol.

The two will be charged with frustrated murder, Guiagui said.