The body of a man with gunshot wounds that landed in the hospital in Arayat, Pampanga prompted a police manhunt that led to the death of one suspect during a shootout on August 19, 2024.

"Mayroon pong dinala sa Dr. Emigdio C. Cruz Sr. Memorial Hospital sa Barangay San Agustin, Arayat na isang cadaver na may tama ng bala," PCOL. Jay Dimaandal, Director of the Pampanga Police Provincial Office, said.

It was the police who alerted the hospital's security guard about the incident. Police later found out that the victim was shot by two suspects.

"In the course of investigation, napag-alaman po natin na binaril po ito ng dalawang lalaki," Dimaandal said.

The police quickly issued a flash alarm to all stations in the province, launching a dragnet and hot pursuit operation against the suspects.

The pursuit led authorities to Barangay Cangatba in Porac, Pampanga, where they cornered one of the suspects.

"May informant po na tumawag sa atin na — allegedly na — nakita po itong motor na ito at dalian po nating pinuntahan po itong lugar at nakita nga po natin ang motorcycle [ng suspect]," Dimaandal said.

Upon seeing the approaching police officers, the suspect abandoned his motorcycle and attempted to flee. 

A brief gunfight ensued after the suspect allegedly opened fire, leading to his death.

"Dun na po naghabulan po ang kapulisan po, at ‘yung suspek nagpaputok po... kaya wala pong nagawa po ang ating kapulisan kundi gumanti ng putok," Dimaandal said.

The suspect, who was identified later as having outstanding warrants for murder and robbery, was also reportedly involved in multiple shooting incidents in Porac and Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.

Recovered at the crime scene were a .45 caliber pistol and a cellphone. 

Search continues for the remaining suspect, as of this writing.