Tondo tricycle drivers’ feud turns into a deadly street battle

• A violent clash between three tricycle drivers in Tondo, Manila, resulted in the deaths of two men on Wednesday night
• The incident began as a verbal argument over a prior grudge but quickly escalated into a fight involving bladed weapons and a firearm
• Police officers responding to the scene were forced to open fire after one of the suspects allegedly pointed a gun at them
• Authorities are currently searching for the third suspect who managed to escape the scene while the responding officer is under custody for investigation

What started as a simple disagreement earlier in the day turned into a bloody nightmare on the streets of Tondo, Manila. On the night of January 7, 2026, the quiet corner of Velasquez and Jacinto Streets in Barangay 96 became the site of a violent encounter that left two tricycle drivers dead and a neighborhood in shock.

The victims were identified as 21-year-old Marlon and a fellow driver named Edmond. According to police reports, the trouble began shortly after 7:00 PM when Marlon crossed paths with Edmond and another driver named Eugene. The three men were not strangers; they had a history of bad blood that had reportedly flared up again earlier that same Wednesday morning.

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Witnesses described a scene that turned ugly in seconds. Eugene and Edmond allegedly began shouting threats at Marlon, who then got off his tricycle to face them. Within moments, the verbal shouting match turned physical. Bladed weapons were pulled out, and the men began hacking at each other in full view of the public.

“Nakita ko na lang po nagtagaan sila eh. Parehas silang nagtagaan. Tatlo silang may hawak na taga,” the suspect’s cousin recalled during a brief interview, describing the chaos of the three-way fight.

The situation turned even more lethal when Eugene reportedly pulled out a gun and fired. Police officers who were patrolling nearby rushed to the scene to stop the carnage. However, instead of surrendering, Eugene allegedly pointed his firearm at the responding officers. The police were forced to fire back, hitting Edmond during the exchange.

In the ensuing confusion, Eugene managed to flee on foot, still carrying the weapon. Marlon and Edmond were rushed to the hospital, but it was too late. Marlon was declared dead on arrival, having suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the chest and a deep hack wound to his head. Edmond passed away later at the hospital due to a gunshot wound in his abdomen.

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Tondo has long been known for its high-density population and the tough, hardworking nature of its residents, particularly those in the transport sector like tricycle drivers. Unfortunately, personal feuds in these busy neighborhoods can sometimes spiral out of control when emotions run high and weapons are easily accessible.

As of now, the Manila Police District (MPD) H0micide Section has taken the responding officer into custody as part of standard operating procedure to ensure a fair investigation into the shooting. Meanwhile, a massive manhunt is underway to find Eugene, the third man involved in the tragedy.

This incident is just one of many recent cases of violence that have gripped the headlines. Other stories of sudden gunfire and life-threatening encounters have also been making waves across the country recently.

The Bureau of Immigration recently confirmed that a father and son involved in a high-profile shooting at Bondi Beach had stayed in the Philippines prior to the incident. Authorities are looking into their activities during their stay to determine if there are any local links to the crime. This international case has caught the attention of many Filipinos due to the unexpected connection to the country.

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In a strange and terrifying home invasion, a man carrying an LPG tank reportedly trespassed into a private property. The homeowner, fearing for their safety and a possible explosion, opened fire on the intruder. The incident has sparked a debate online regarding self-defense laws and the lengths to which a person can go to protect their home from unidentified threats.

Source: KAMI.com.gh