Policeman, suspect killed as apprehension of riders leads to shootout

The routine apprehension of two motorcycle riders who were wearing neither face masks nor helmets in Parañaque City on Sunday led to a shootout that killed a policeman and one of the suspects.

According to Emil Sumangil’s report on “24 Oras,” three cops were responding to a complaint about loud karaoke singing in Baclaran when they came across Moamar Sarif and Joven Viña, who were aboard a motorcycle without protective gear.

When they were stopped, Sarif stepped down from the motorcycle and engaged one of the policemen in a scuffle as Viña sped away from the scene.

Sarif fired multiple shots at the cops as he was fleeing, hitting Police Lieutenant Armand Melad and Police Corporal Allan Baltazar.

Despite being gunned down, Melad managed to fire multiple shots at Sarif who later on died.

In a statement, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Melad was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead.

Baltazar suffered gunshot wounds on the leg but has been discharged from the hospital and awarded the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting by Metro Manila police chief Major General Debold Sinas.

Sinas said a manhunt for Viña is now underway.

“Na-trace rin namin na ‘yung baril na ginamit ni Moamar pagbaril kay Melad ay registered firearm pala. Hinahanap na at nire-report na po namin ‘yung may-ari na sana ‘yung may-ari, kung puwede, pumunta siya sa Parañaque kasi kasama siya sa investigation,” he added.

The PNP also said that Sarif had a previous arrest record in Pasay for illegal drugs and in Parañaque for illegal possession of a bladed weapon, both in 2019.

Sarif was also reportedly a small-time street drug pusher in both cities.

The PNP vowed financial support and social benefits for both Melad and Baltazar. -Jula Mari Ornedo/NB, GMA News