2 dead in drunken police shootout at Cavite resort

A birthday celebration at a resort in Cavite ended in tragedy after two allegedly drunk police officers engaged in a shootout that left one of them and a civilian dead.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Jun Veneracion on Wednesday, the victims and the suspect had just attended the birthday celebration of the newly installed police chief of Maragondon.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed to GMA News that the police officers had been drinking when a fight broke out.

“All came from the birthday of the Chief of Police of Maragondon. All were drunk and carrying their service firearms with them. One thing led to another,” Remulla said.

Another police officer was wounded in the incident but is now in stable condition at a hospital.

A witness said he feared for his life when he heard the gunshots, worried that he might be hit. Bullet holes and spent shells were still visible at the scene.

The suspect was immediately arrested but declined to speak to the media.

The police officers involved in the shooting were assigned to different police stations and were not under the Maragondon police. Despite this, the Maragondon police chief was immediately relieved of his post.

“Well, automatic ’yan. ’Yung COP (chief of police), immediately relieved natin ’yan… At ’yung suspect naman natin, natural, naaresto naman natin siya. Kaya ongoing ang investigation natin kung ano ang criminal liability niya at administrative liability niya,” Cavite Police Provincial Office director Police Colonel Ariel Red said.

(Well, that is automatic. We immediately relieved the chief of police. As for the suspect, he has been arrested, and our investigation into his criminal and administrative liabilities is ongoing.)

Philippine National Police chief Police General Jose Nartatez Jr. said the investigation into the incident is ongoing.— Jean Mangaluz/MCG, GMA News