By Khriscielle Yalao
A principal examiner of the Bureau of Customs (BoC) was shot and wounded by an unidentified motorcycle rider in Sampaloc, Manila on Friday night, Jan. 14.
The Manila Police District (MPD) identified the victim as Ryan Difuntorum, 41, BOC Section II assistant chief.
The shooting incident was reported by a concerned citizen to the University Belt Area Police Community Precinct (UBA PCP) at 8:55 p.m., and then relayed to the Barbosa Police Station at 9:15 p.m.
According to the initial police investigation, Difuntorum was driving his car along A. Mendoza St. corner Eloisa St. in Brgy. 466, Sampaloc when a motorcycle rider wearing a white helmet appeared from behind and fired at him through the window at the driver’s seat.
Difuntorum was shot in the left side of the neck with a 9mm pistol.
The suspect immediately fled towards Lacson Avenue.
Police reported that after the incident, Difuntorum drove to a condominium in Ermita, Manila and sought help from his brother Roderick.
Difuntorum was brought to the Manila Doctors Hospital at 7:55 p.m. and underwent a surgical operation.
The victim is now reportedly recuperating and in a stable condition.
Four pieces of spent 9mm cartridge cases were recovered from the crime scene and were sent for ballistic examination.
Investigation is ongoing to establish the identity of the gunman and the motive behind the shooting incident, police said.