2 dead, 3 wounded as cops clash with motorcycle-riding men in Manila

Two persons were killed while three others, including two policemen, were wounded when two motorcycle-riding men shot it out with members of the Manila Police District-Tactical Motorcycle Riding Unit (MPD-TMRU) in Sta. Cruz, Manila on Friday night, Aug, 18.
MPD identified the two suspects as Bobby Alconera and Wilfredo Marquez Jr.
Police said TMRU members of MPD-Meisic Station were conducting a checkpoint at the corner of Rizal Avenue and Soler Street in Sta. Cruz at around 9:50 p.m. when they flagged down two men riding a motorcycle.
They said the suspects were "uncooperative" and kept alighting from the motorcycle during the verification of their documents.
While the police were checking the motorcycle, one of the suspects drew his .45-caliber pistol and fired several shots at the TMRU personnel.
Cpl. Raymark Laurena suffered a gunshot wound in the right eye, while Cpl. Raymond Ocampo was hit in his upper left ear.
Police said a firefight between the TMRU personnel and the armed suspects ensued.
Marquez Jr., the driver of the motorcycle, died from bullet wounds in the chest. Alconera suffered gunshot wounds in the abdomen and is now under observation in the hospital.
Rosemarie Depaudhon, a resident in the area, was hit by a stray bullet in the head during the firefight. She was declared dead on arrival at the Jose Abad Santos Hospital.
The two wounded cops are still undergoing treatment in a hospital.
Investigators recovered from the crime scene two loaded .45-caliber pistols, 10 pieces of live ammunition, an empty magazine for .45-caliber gun, two sling bags owned by the suspects, and 59 bullet shells.
The investigation disclosed that Marquez Jr. was wanted for double-case murder for the killing of two individuals in Tawini, Isabela in 2021.
MPD chief Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon said they will continue to work tirelessly to uphold the rule of law and ensure the rights of every individual, including those of the victims.