Witness shares terror of Parañaque condo shooting that left 2 dead, 4 hurt

A witness shared the events that transpired in a fatal shooting incident inside a condominium complex in Parañaque City that left two persons dead and four others wounded. 

According to Oscar Oida’s report in “24 Oras” on Wednesday, the gunman interrupted a basketball game in the residential resort’s basketball court and fired several shots. 

“Max”, who witnessed the tragedy, said he saw the suspect wearing a face mask and a baseball cap. He was almost shot by the suspect, he added. 

“The first thing I heard were gunshots outside the court. We thought it was just people playing around,” he said in Filipino. 

“I saw him holding a gun while running. It’s a silver gun, big. And when I saw that, I immediately fled from my chair,” he recalled. 

“I just remember looking for an opportunity to get away from the gunman. When I saw an opening, I immediately headed for the main entrance of the court,” “Max added. 

Meanwhile, the mother of “Max” said she is very disappointed and worried after what happened, especially that the gunman is still at large. 

“I’m very traumatized and very, very angry. Because my son was just lucky to be alive right now,” she said. 

“Because we don’t know where the gunman is. We don’t have any information as to where the gunman (is).”

A sibling of one of the fatalities also expressed her frustration after the incident. 

“It hurts so much, it hasn't even sunk in for my mom yet. It was all so sudden because we were even chatting just a few hours before it happened. He was even on a video call with my mom. It’s just so painful,” she said. 

Authorities said the gunman used a 9mm handgun based on the empty shells found at the crime scene. 

Initial investigation revealed the suspect is a 59-year-old resident of the condominium. It was also found the gunman already had a past argument with one of the fatalities and the wounded victims. 

“Around the last week of December and the last week of February, the suspect allegedly knocked on the unit of one of the victims. Our victim reported the incident to security,” said Parañaque City Police chief Police Lieutenant Nicolas Piñon, adding the suspect was probably looking for someone. 

The police has launched a manhunt operation. 

Meanwhile, Azure Property Management, which manages the residential area where the crime happened, said it is cooperating with the police and will support the ongoing operation. 

“We are extending our full support to the victims and their families, coordinating with the proper channels to ensure they receive the necessary care and attention during this difficult time,” it said. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News