A member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the province of Bulacan and his driver were killed in an ambush along Barangay Ligas, Malolos City, Bulacan, on Thursday, October 3.
(Photo from Bulacan PPO)
Police identified the victims as Ramil Capistrano, who was a board member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and his driver, Shedrick Suarez.
According to the initial investigation, the Capistrano and Suarez were onboard an SUV when unidentified gunmen opened fire at them, killing them on-the-spot.
Investigators are trying to identify the perpetrators and determine the motive behind the attack.
Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando and Vice Governor Alexis Castro condoled with the families of Capistrano and Suarez following their tragic deaths.
They urged the Bulacan police to expedite the investigation and swiftly bring those responsible to justice.
Before the ambush, Capistrano had attended the regular session of the 11th Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) presided over by Vice Governor Castro at the Benigno Aquino Hall in the Provincial Capitol.
The SP also strongly condemned the killing of Capistrano and his driver, and called for justice and the immediate arrest of the perpetrators.
Police said the gunmen followed Capistrano's vehicle after it left the Bulacan Capitol building.
Once the vehicle reached Barangay Ligas, the attackers flanked it and opened fire.
Relatives and friends of Capistrano are appealing to any witnesses to come forward and provide information to the authorities.
Capistrano was well-known for his active work in providing free medicine to his constituents, with health initiatives being a central focus of the Sangguniang Barangay in Caingin under his leadership.
Police Regional Director Brig. General Redrico Maranan directed the formation of Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) "Capistrano" to lead the investigation.
Maranan stressed that the police are diligently gathering evidence to identify those responsible and ensure they face justice.
The Bulacan Police Provincial Office (PPO) is actively exploring all possible motives behind the crime and has vowed to use every available resource to resolve the case.
Bulacan Police Director Col. Satur Ediong urged potential witnesses not to hesitate to report to the nearest police station or reach them through the hotlines 0917 856 3153 or 0998 598 5372, as well as the Malolos City police at 044-796-2483 or 0998 598 5283.