63-year-old House official shot dead at daughter’s party

Metro Manila, Philippines - A 63-year-old official of the House of Representatives was shot dead during his daughter’s birthday celebration, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) reported.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez identified the victim as Mauricio Pulhin, the House ways and means committee’s chief of technical staff.

Based on the police report, two unidentified suspects entered the venue of his daughter's party in Commonwealth on June 15. They fired at him at a “close range” at 2:55 p.m.

The suspects left riding a motorcycle. They also shot the subdivision’s security guard before fleeing.

The House official was rushed to the Far Eastern University - Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation Hospital but he was declared dead.

Romualdez and the QCPD extended condolences to the bereaved family.

“Director Pulhin was a long-serving and dedicated public servant. His professionalism, integrity, and quiet commitment to his work earned him the respect of his peers and superiors alike. We condemn this brutal act of violence in the strongest possible terms,” the Speaker said on Monday, June 16, expressing his sadness and outrage.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and assure the public that justice will be served,” the QCPD said.

Romualdez called on authorities to investigate the killing and pursue all angles.

The QCPD, meanwhile, created a special investigation team to resolve the case.