PNP identifies persons of interest in killing of House employee

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said it has identified persons of interest in the killing of a 63-year-old male employee of the House of Representatives, who was shot by unidentified gunmen during his daughter's birthday in Quezon City over the weekend.

Empleyado ng Kamara binaril ng riding-in-tandem sa birthday party ng anak

PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III said investigators were following a lead and that a manhunt operation was ongoing.

“Investigation is ongoing, manhunt operation is ongoing, and we hope to resolve this case as soon as possible,” Torre told reporters in a chance interview during his visit to Ramon Magsaysay High School.

He added that a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) was formed to focus on the case. 

Torre declined to disclose further details of the investigation.

Speaker calls for thorough investigation into House official's killing

Initial findings showed that two unidentified assailants entered the exclusive venue where the victim was attending his 7-year-old daughter’s birthday celebration. He was shot in the head at close range.

The suspects fled the scene on a motorcycle and fired shots at the subdivision’s guard house before escaping.

The crime appeared to have been well-planned, according to Lt. Col. Romil Avenido, commander of the Batasan Police Station.

The victim was rushed to a hospital but was later declared dead by the attending physician.