QCPD gets lead, identities of suspects in ambush of photojournalist, 4 others


Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said on Wednesday, June 5, that they have already identified the five suspects who allegedly ambushed a photojournalist and his family on Corumi Street in Barangay Masambong, Quezon City last Thursday, June 29.

Police said the victims -- Joshua Abiad, 37, an online photographer of Remate; Renato Abiad, 41; and two minors aged four and eight  -- were on board their vehicle near their house at around 3:50 p.m. on Thursday when they were shot by the suspects.

The victims were with their three other relatives inside the car when the incident happened. They were rushed to a hospital for treatment.

The four-year-old victim reportedly died last Monday, July 3.

A bystander identified as Jeffrey Cao, 47, was also hit by a stray bullet during the incident.

Torre III earlier formed the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) "Abiad" led by QCPD Deputy District Director for Operations Col. Melecio M. Buslig Jr. to locate and arrest the suspects.

In a press conference on Wednesday, the QCPD showed the enhanced photographs of two suspects caught by closed-circuit television cameras installed along the streets near the crime scene.

IMG_20230705_141229.jpg (Photo by Aaron Dioquino/ MANILA BULLETIN)

The police director said one of the suspects was possibly a gunman and the other one was a "spotter" during the incident.

The names and the photos of the three other suspects were withheld.

Torre III said they already have a lead on the suspects' whereabouts and the QCPD tracker teams were already deployed for their apprehension.

He added that they will also disclose the motive of the suspects in shooting the victims once they are arrested.

He also called on the public to coordinate with them if they have any information that will help in the arrest of the suspects.

The police director also urged the suspects to surrender as the city police will pursue them to bring justice to the victims.

Read more: Mayor Joy condemns attack on photojournalist, 4 others in QCPhotojournalist, 4 others hurt in QC ambush