Two men were arrested Tuesday morning following a riot which led to death of a construction worker and the wounding of two others in Novaliches, Quezon City.
TV Patrol reports said that the construction workers were in a drinking session when one of the suspects attacked and shot one of the workers, Erwin Manalang. His companions, Andy Lumangag and Ronnie Domicel, were injured.
Police investigation showed that the two groups had a conflict long ago due to an unpaid debt."They were fighting over a debt", SPO2 Armand Melad of Quezon City Police said.
Responding Quezon City Police operatives and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) raided a house in Greenfields Subdivision, Novaliches, Quezon City where 10 armed men involved in the riot were reportedly hiding.
During the raid, the authorities arrested 18-year-old "Tibong" whom informants said witnessed the riot. "Tibong" pointed to the police who were responsible for the death of Manalang.
One suspect arrested still had fresh wounds on the hands and face, which police said were due to the rumble.
The suspects, however, denied the allegations. "We were not involved in that riot, we were in another riot", one of the suspects said.
The suspects were not yet named as of posting time. Police said that they will continue to hunt down the rest of the suspects.