Truck driver killed in Pasig road rage incident

A truck driver was killed after a motorcycle-riding man shot him in a fit of road rage in Pasig City before dawn Friday. Radio dzBB cited initial reports identifying the victim as George Tantioco, who died immediately after taking a bullet to the side of the body. Witnesses said the gunman had tried to overtake Tantioco near the Manggahan Floodway in Pasig City. Initial reports indicated that when the suspect finally got to overtake Tantioco's truck, he stopped and blocked the path of the vehicle, then went over to Tantioco and shot him before fleeing. Authorities said they have yet to speak with any witnesses who was able to get the plate number of the gunman's motorcycle. Earlier this month, a Pasig City legal officer was charged shooting dead a motorist and his passenger after a traffic altercation last October 2. A court also issued a hold departure order against Manuel Hernandez Jr, who gained temporary liberty after posting an P80,000-bail. Hernandez was also placed on the Bureau of Immigration's watch list to prevent his escape while the case against him progresses in court. He presently faces two counts of homicide for shooting dead a corporate executive Edgardo Canizares and the latter's companion Katherine Palmero following a traffic spat in Pasig City. Investigation showed Hernandez committed a "counterflow" - or plied the opposite side of the road - that led to the altercation with victims. Relatives of Palmero and Canizares earlier voiced fears any case against Hernandez might not prosper because of the suspect's position as city hall legal officer. They also cited reports indicating that Hernandez is a nephew of a justice at the Sandiganbayan. The Pasig City police has found basis to file homicide charges against Hernandez before the city prosecutor's office for the killing of Palmero and Canizares. Hernandez was reportedly driving his Toyota Corolla against the flow of traffic when he figured in an accident with the victims's Nissan Cefiro at the corner of Shaw Boulevard and Endriga streets. An altercation ensued, and Canizares allegedly kicked Hernandez's Corolla. Hernandez retaliated by pulling out his 9-mm. pistol and shoot Canizares six times, and Palmero two times. - GMANews.TV