THE Manila Police District on Wednesday raised a “shoot-to-kill” against an army reservist who shot dead a bicyclist with whom he had a traffic altercation in Quiapo, Manila Monday after a video of the killing went viral on social media.
The police and barangay officials identified the suspect as Philippine Army reservist Vhon Martin Tanto, 39, who was shown in the video shooting Mark Vincent Garalde in the head in Barangay 385 in Quiapo.
MPD chief Police Senior Supt. Joel Coronel said they raised the shoot-to-kill after Tanto failed to surrender to the authorities on Wednesday afternoon.
“We [gave] him an opportunity and a chance to surrender and present himself to the Manila Police District by 5 p.m. [Wednesday]. He may be accompanied by his lawyer so he can present his side,” said Coronel.
“After 5 p.m. and he will not present himself, I will order a manhunt operation against the subject,” Coronel said. “The full strength of the Manila Police District will go after him. Dead or alive we want him.”
Coronel said Tanto, who is also a businessman, is on detail at a community defense center in Caloocan City, but he could no longer be found at press time.
A stray bullet from Tanto also hit another victim, student Rocel Bondoc, in the spinal cord and is now in critical condition at the Mary Chiles Hospital in Tondo, Manila.
The MPD identified Tanto and his red Hyundai Eon with the help of barangay officials in the area. He is known to be a licensed holder of three firearms.
Barangay officials said Tanto is known in the neighborhood as a supposedly unruly resident who frequently disobeys the village’s peace and order operations.