4 hurt in shooting spree

MANILA, Philippines - Four persons were hurt as three men robbed a car insurance agent then went on a shooting rampage when police officers cornered them in Sta. Mesa, Manila Friday afternoon.

According to Manila Police District (MPD) Station 8, three men initially robbed and shot car insurance agent Ricardo King in front of the Land Transportation Office on Domingo Santiago street in Sampaloc at around 1:18 p.m.

The suspects then commandeered a tricycle but were cornered by responding policemen along Albino street off Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard in Sta. Mesa. Instead of yielding, the suspects shot at bystanders, wounding Ronald Perez, Edgardo Castro and Rayner Dalida.

King is still in critical condition while the three bystanders were given medical treatment for gunshot wounds.

Station 8 policemen arrested the three suspects, identified as Mark Joseph Mercado, 24, of Morong, Rizal; Ronnie Bergonia, 23, of Malabon; and Ronnie Zaragosa, 29, of Manila.

Two firearms, assorted ammunition and a grenade were seized from the suspects, who have been initially charged with frustrated homicide, robbery and illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

The MPD Station 4 in Sampaloc, where the robbery occurred, is still conducting an investigation.