2 dead, 4 Manila cops hurt in Tondo shootout

MANILA, Philippines — A man wanted for murder was killed in an alleged shootout with police while evading arrest in Tondo, Manila on Thursday night, which also resulted in the death of his companion.

Four policemen were injured in the operation which left Archie Juco, alias RJ Bata, and one alias MacMac dead.

Personnel from several units of the Manila Police District (MPD), including from the Special Weapons and Tactics team, were about to serve an arrest warrant for Juco at his house on Pinoy Street in Balut, Tondo at 10:40 p.m. when they were fired upon by the escaping suspect and his companion.

Reports said the arresting team led by Lt. Col. John Guiagui was approaching Juco’s known address when a woman inside – reportedly his girlfriend – suddenly closed the door, apparently to alert him of the police’s presence.

Juco reportedly lobbed a hand grenade at the pursuers but it did not explode. He was killed after he ran out of the house while MacMac was found dead on the roof.

Injured during the encounter were Guiagui, Maj. Emmark Dave Apostol, M/Sgt. Julius Omolon and Cpl. Keith Paul Valdez.

Juco, reportedly a member of the Alcantara Criminal Group, was wanted for murder.

He was involved in shooting incidents in Manila in December 2023 and in April and June this year.

Police said he was also involved in carjacking, drug trafficking and gun-for-hire transactions.

The four wounded policemen received yesterday the “Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting” from Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.