In a scene out of a movie, two murder suspects died in a shooting incident with an undercover police officer in the middle of a busy Zamboanga City street on New Year’s Eve.
According to a 24 Oras report by Jun Veneracion on Thursday, CCTV footage showed Police Senior Master Sergeant Ryan Mariano engage in a shootout with the two suspects in the middle of a road with bustling traffic.
Despite being wounded on the stomach, Mariano managed to score hits at one of the suspects with his pistol.
After hitting the first suspect, Mariano quickly changed magazines and fired several shots at the other suspect who was on a motorcycle.
Both suspects died on the spot.
“At the end of the day, it was his presence and his composure na talagang matibay ang loob niya (that he was really determined) to fight it out with the wanted persons na ito (with these wanted persons). He is really one our best shooters also in the (police department),” said Zamboanga Police Acting City Director Police Colonel Kimberly Molitas.
According to the Philippine National Police, Mariano and other officers were deployed as undercover operatives and targeted Haber Tating, one of the suspects.
However, Tating recognized Mariano and began shooting, prompting the cop to run to the other side of the road to gain space before trading shots with his assailants.
Despite falling on the pavement, Mariano managed to fire his weapon. He also took advantage of a stopped car for cover.
Investigation revealed that the two suspects were involved in four different shooting incidents and were wanted for multiple murder cases.
Mariano had to undergo life-saving surgery and is now recuperating from his wounds.
Meanwhile, a child was hit by a stray bullet on the foot. He was also treated and is now in good condition.
“May tama [si Mariano] sa tiyan. He underwent surgery for around six hours and we’re happy na na-declare naman siya na stable condition,” said Molitas.
([Mariano] was wounded in the stomach. He underwent surgery for around six hours and we’re happy that he was declared to be in a stable condition.)
“Ito ay testament ng aming pagpupunyagi, and the hard work of our police to make sure that Zamboanga City is safe. Hindi lang para sa mga taga-Zamboanga, kundi para sa lahat ng ating kababayan na gustong bumisita sa Zamboanga City,” the police official added.
(This is a testament of our efforts, and the hard work of our police to make sure that Zamboanga City is safe. Not just for those who live in Zamboanga, but even for all of our fellow countrymen who want to visit Zamboanga City.)
For his bravery and feat in eliminating the suspects, the PNP is considering to give Mariano a reward and a spot promotion. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News
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