Police release images of EDSA-Timog shooting suspects

Police on Wednesday released images of the suspects involved in the fatal shooting along the EDSA-Timog area in Quezon City, as authorities intensified their manhunt operations.

At a press briefing, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Station 10 commander Police Lieutenant Colonel Zachary Capellan presented enhanced images showing the suspects before and after the attack.

“Showing the screen is the enhanced physical, facial features of both of the suspects,” Capellan said.

Police said the incident occurred around 3:40 p.m. Tuesday when two men riding a motorcycle opened fire on a white vehicle carrying the two victims: a 75-year-old businessman and his 51-year-old driver.

Both victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were later declared dead in a nearby hospital.

Police said CCTV footage captured the suspects fleeing the scene on a motorcycle. The back rider, believed to be the gunman, was seen wearing a helmet and casual clothing. 

Authorities later recovered the motorcycle abandoned on Scout Rallos, along with helmets, masks, and other items believed to have been used by the suspects.

The suspects changed clothes and escaped on foot. They were seen on Scout Ybardolaza, Timog, Scout Torillo, as well as Scout Borromeo, and boarded a tricycle to a drugstore in Quezon Avenue.

Then, they boarded a passenger jeepney.

Asked about how the suspects were able to escape despite actions taken by the police, Capellan said: “Wala po kaagad tayong makuhang witness except for the two MMDA traffic enforcers who worked at the area. Siguro other bystanders, other wala po kaming makukuha except for the MMDA traffic enforcers.”

(We didn’t immediately get a witness except for the two MMDA traffic enforcers who worked in the area. Maybe other bystanders, others we don’t get except for the MMDA traffic enforcers.)

“Sila po nagsabi na may ibang tao na sinasabi nagpunta ng South Triangle, but we rely on the statement of the two traffic enforcers.”

(They said that some people were saying the suspects have gone to South Triangle but we rely on the statement of the two traffic enforcers.)

Initial findings revealed that the motorcycle used in the attack bore a MV file number that did not match its registration, suggesting it may have been duplicated or falsified.

Authorities said at least a dozen pieces of ballistic evidence were recovered from the crime scene. 

Police are looking into the possibility that the attack was premeditated, noting indications that the victims may have been under surveillance prior to the shooting. 

A special investigation team has been formed to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

The PNP urged the public to report any information that could help in the case through emergency hotlines, assuring confidentiality for informants. — RSJ, GMA News