Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II on Friday, Nov. 8, condemned the shooting of Gerardo H. Garcia, the assistant chief of the LTO Calapan District Office in Oriental Mindoro.
Reports said that Garcia was repeatedly shot by a motorcycle rider who refused to provide his vehicle’s registration documents during an enforcement operation on unregistered vehicles in Barangay Canubling I on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 7:42 p.m.
The LTO said Garcia, known for his dedication to curbing unregistered vehicles, was leading an enforcement operation when the suspect opened fire, injuring Garcia and two bystanders who were hit by stray bullets.
“We, in the LTO, join his family in praying for his recovery from the gunshot wounds he suffered as a result of this violence,” Mendoza said in a statement.
“We also pray for the recovery of two bystanders who were hit with stray bullets,” he added.
The LTO chief has vowed full support to Garcia’s family, assuring them that he would do everything possible to bring the suspect to justice.
“I will exert all the efforts in seeking justice for this incident by ensuring that the perpetrator is arrested and placed behind bars,” he stated. Mendoza also promised assistance to cover Garcia’s medical expenses.
In coordination with local authorities, the LTO identified the suspect as Alvin Roldan Salazar, who remains at large.
Mendoza has ordered all LTO offices in Mimaropa and surrounding regions to display Salazar’s photo and information to aid police in their pursuit.
He also called on the public to assist in efforts to locate and apprehend the suspect.
“I urge the public to help us in bringing justice to Assistant District Office chief Gerardo Garcia and the two other victims,” he said.