By Alexandria San Juan
A police officer who was on his way home after duty was ambushed by two motorcycle-riding gunmen while driving near their headquarters in Quezon City Tuesday night.
(Flickr / MANILA BULLETIN)
Probers of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said Police Lieutenant Ernesto Mendoza Jr., 52, died on the spot inside his car due to multiple gunshot wounds on his body.
Mendoza was assigned to QCPD Logistic Division (DLD) and was on his way home to Barangay New Era after his duty when the incident happened, police said.
According to investigators, Mendoza was onboard his gray Hyundai Accent with plate number DAD 5607 and traversing Malingap Street in Barangay Teachers Village, more than a kilometer away from the QCPD Headquarters, at around 8:10 p.m.
Upon passing the intersection of Malingap and Mapagkawanggawa Streets, two men wearing black jackets and riding a blue Yamaha NMAX motorcycle appeared on his left side.
Witnesses said the back rider pulled out a handgun and repeatedly shot the policeman. Mendoza lost control of the vehicle and died on the spot.
During investigation, authorities noted that Mendoz tried to retaliate as he was seen holding his service firearm.
Recovered in the crime scene were 11 cartridge cases and two deformed fired bullets of a still unknown type of handgun.
Police said they are now conducting a thorough probe to check if the killing was work-related or personal.
Acting QCPD chief, Police Colonel Ronnie Montejo ordered on Wednesday the creation of a special investigation task group (SITG) to conduct an extensive investigation and establish the motive behind the ambush.
Montejo said the "SITG Mendoza" will consider all possible angle in the investigation to establish the motive in the "senseless shooting."
Prior to his assignment with the DLD, Mendoza was assigned with the QCPD Special Operations Unit in 2015 before he was transferred to Police Regional Office 13 (CARAGA) in 2016.