Customs official shot dead in Manila

A ranking official of the Bureau of Customs was shot dead Thursday night along España Boulevard in Manila, GMA News' Mav Gonzales reported on "Saksi."

Customs deputy commissioner Arturo Lachica was shot by an unidentified assailant while his car was waiting for the light to turn green at the corner of España Boulevard and Kundiman street, the report said.

Lachica was rushed to United Doctors Medical Center. But he died while he was undergoing treatment.

His driver-bodyguard Romulo de Lima was hurt while another bodyguard, Ramon Hernandez, who was seated in the back and was unscathed.

According to the initial investigation, Lachica had no enemies.

"Nung naka-stop kami sa Kundiman. Kundiman-España, may biglang bumaril na lang po sa harap ni sir Art," said De Lima.

When asked if he could identify the suspect, he answered, "Galing po sa likod e. Tapos di ko alam kung may sasakyan o wala e. Tapos yung pagkabaril niya, siguro yung pangatlong baril, nadaplisan ako sa likod e."

De Lima also said Lachica did not receive any threats.

"Wala naman po. Kasi peaceful naman po kami sa opisina," he added.

Officials are conducting an investigation into the shooting incident to identify the assailant and to determine the motive of the crime.

A lawyer and a Certififed Public Accountant, Lachica was named BOC deputy commissioner in July 2014.  — KBK/BAP, GMA News