Crime scene of the New Year's Eve shootout. Photo from the Zamboanga City Police Office/File

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) office in Zamboanga region said it was studying the possible promotion of SMSgt. Ryan Mariano, who was cited for his bravery and dedication to duty following a New Year’s Eve shootout in Zamboanga City.

Cop wounded, 2 gunmen killed in New Year shootout in Zamboanga City

Mariano, an intelligence operative assigned at the Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9), engaged in a shootout with two men tagged as "most wanted persons" while on covert duty at the Mount Carmel Parish Church in Barangay Ayala on the evening of December 31.

According to Zamboanga City Police Director Col. Kimberly Molitas, the two suspects were identified as Haber Tating and “Cashmere”, who both have standing arrest warrants for murder.

The two suspects were allegedly involved in illegal drugs and were implicated in several shooting incidents in Zamboanga City.

Prior to the encounter, Tating and Cashmere were on board a motorcycle and opened fire after finding out they were being tracked, Molitas said. This allegedly forced Mariano to retaliate.

“During that day, dual ang role ng mga pulis natin: Bantayan ang mga simbahan at bantayan ang places of convergence, at the same time, ongoing ang kanilang operation against this person [Tating],” Molitas told reporters in a phone interview on Thursday.

“Na-deploy siya [Mariano] doon sa church na iyon. May mga asset tayo to inform us of the whereabouts ng target. That afternoon, nakabantay ang team ni Sgt. Mariano and dumating ang target with another individual sa motorcycle. Pinutukan nila, namukhaan nila si Sgt. Mariano, and the encounter started,” she continued.

After an exchange of gunfire, Cashmere was killed on the spot while Tating sustained fatal gunshot wounds and was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Mariano, on the other hand, sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach. He was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment and is now in stable condition.

“We’re happy that yesterday, after six hours of surgery ni Sgt. Mariano, he was declared out of danger ng doctor,” Molitas shared.

“Our RD [Regional Director] ordered already the assistance for him to make sure he is properly supported by the PNP. We are looking hopefully for a spot promotion for him or a medal for him also,” she added.

Molitas also reported that one child was hurt in the incident. 

"He is wounded. Sa paa. Pedestrian sila,” she said. 

She thanked the owner of the vehicle that Mariano used as a shield during the firefight.

“I would like to acknowledge him [ang nasa kotse], si CO1 Melvin from the Bureau of Corrections and we are thankful that he did not move para i-shield ang pulis natin,” she said.