Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 29) — A Remate Online photojournalist and his three family members were wounded after a shooting incident in front of their house in Quezon City, authorities reported Thursday.
According to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), the incident happened at around 3 p.m. in Barangay Masambong, while the victims were about to enter their residence.
Police said the 37-year-old Joshua Abiad, believed to be the gunmen’s target, sustained two gunshot wounds in the body. Abiad was onboard a Ford Everest with his seven relatives when the incident transpired.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Press Club president Lily Reyes said Abiad’s four-year-old nephew is now in critical condition after being hit by a bullet in the head, while his eight-year-old nephew cannot be operated on because the bullet is embedded in his backbone.
The QCPD said there were at least two unidentified male suspects who immediately fled onboard a silver Toyota Vios and a motorcycle heading towards Del Monte Avenue in Quezon City after firing their guns towards the victim’s vehicle.
NCRPO Press Club Chairman Raoul Esperas said Abiad was a regular signatory of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in drug busts as required by law.
Law enforcers need the presence of mandatory witnesses – the media and representatives from the Department of Justice – during drug operations, in line with the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022.
Reyes condemned the ambush and said they are already coordinating with Abiad’s family to help determine the motive and the people behind the incident.
In a statement on Thursday, the NCRPO vowed to conduct a thorough investigation to identify the suspects and bring them to justice.
“This heinous act is an attack not only on the individuals involved but also on the freedom of the press and the values we hold dear as a society,” the NCRPO said in a statement.
“We stand in solidarity with the media community and vow to protect their rights and ensure their safety,” it added.
Authorities reminded the public to remain vigilant and report any information that may help the investigation.
The police report added that a 47-year-old bystander within the area was also hit by a stray bullet. QCPD said thorough investigation and continuous manhunt operation is being conducted against the suspects.
