Persons of interest in killing of House official identified, says PNP's Torre

The Quezon City Police District has identified persons of interest in the killing of an official of the House of Representatives.

Super Radyo dzBB's Allan Gatus reported Tuesday that according to Philippine National Police chief Police General Nicolas Torre III, manhunt operations are ongoing against the two suspects.

Mauricio “Morrie” Pulhin, chief of the Technical Staff of the House committee on ways and means, was shot while attending the birthday celebration of his daughter in Commonwealth, Quezon City on Sunday. He was brought to a hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.

According to Torre, the PNP is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. He said a special investigation task group has been formed to focus on the case.

Torre declined to divulge the possible motives in the killing.

In a separate statement, the Department of Justice (DOJ) condemned the shooting, saying it will coordinate with the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation in probing the incident.

“We call on anyone who may have information, no matter how small, to please step forward and share it with the authorities. Your cooperation is crucial to the success of this investigation," Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said.

The DOJ assured that it will dedicate all appropriate resources to ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended, and held accountable.

"Let me be clear: we do not take cases like this lightly, especially when they target those in public service,” Remulla said. —Joahna Lei Casilao/AOL, GMA Integrated News