Caloocan cops launch manhunt vs 8 suspects in New Year's Day scuffle
The Caloocan City Police Station (CCPS) said on Wednesday, Jan. 3, that it launched a manhunt against seven men and a minor who were involved in a scuffle in Barangay 153, Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City, that led to a shootout leaving a tricycle driver wounded on New Year’s Day.
CCPS Bagong Barrio Sub-Station 5 (SS5) identified the wounded victim as Jasper Querol, 30, a resident of Barangay 148, Caloocan City.
In a phone interview, Capt. Julius Villafuerte, CCPS-SS5 commander, told Manila Bulletin that two groups involving eight men and two children engaged in a fight at the corner of Balagtas and Cavite Alleys in Barangay 153 at about 2:25 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1.
Citing the statement of the victim, Villafuerte said that Querol’s group went to the area to confront the other group after it allegedly hurt one of their friends while celebrating the New Year.
The confrontation led to a scuffle where one man identified Arnel Reyes pulled out a gun and fired shots, hitting Querol in his right arm and back. The suspects involved fled in different directions.
The victim was rushed to the MCU Hospital for treatment.
Villafuerte said that they have already arrested one suspect, identified as Lowrence Aplacador, 19; and rescued a 15-year-old suspect in a follow-up operation Monday afternoon.
He added that they launched a manhunt to arrest Reyes and two identified suspects, rescue the other minor, and identify and locate four other men involved in the incident.
The police station commander also said that the victim is now in stable condition.
Villafuerte added that charges for violation of Article 252 of the Revised Penal Code (Physical Injuries Inflicted in Tumultuous Affray) will be filed against the suspect.
Additional charges for frustrated murder will be filed against Reyes, he added.