Terror gripped a Tondo street late Monday evening after two men on a motorcycle shot at a group of men having a drink at a residential compound, wounding at least five persons in what police on Tuesday described as a possible ride-by shooting by thrill-seekers.

Police initially identified the injured persons as Leonardo Nunez, Crisanto Manalili, Michael delos Reye, Raindy Husay, and Ryan Sarmiento.

They were rushed to the Mary Johnston Hospital for treatment after sustaining bullet wounds on their legs and feet.

The Manila Police District (MPD) – Station 1 quickly launched a manhunt against unidentified armed bikers who sped off on-board a black Suzuki Motorcycle (7125-NG) after the shooting.

Initial reports reaching the MPD Headquarters showed that the shooting took place at around 10:45 p.m., Monday at a residential compound at 1615, Sta. Maria Street near Pitong Gatang, in Tondo.

Senior Police Officer 2 Bienvenido Uy of MPD Station 1 said in an interview that the men were outside the house when they noticed a speeding motorcycle coming their way.

“Mabilis daw yung pangyayari sabi nung mga biktima. Pagtapat daw nung motorsiklo sa compound, bigla na lang daw nagpaputok yung naka-backride kaya hindi na sila nakailag,” Uy said.

Residents who witnessed the incident quickly rushed the victims to the hospital.

Asked on the motive of the suspects, Uy said there is a possibility that the case might be another spate of thrill-shooting by the men on motorbikes that have been frequenting the area since summer.

“We are not yet discounting other possibilities but it might be na ito ay isa nanamang kaso ng pang-titrip ng riding in tandem,” he said. (Leonard D. Postrado)