Former Kadamay member killed, 3 others wounded in Bulacan attack

PANDI, BULACAN – A former member of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) who bolted from the urban poor group was shot dead in an attack on Monday night (Aug. 20). Three others were wounded, police reports said.

Miguel Mortifero allegedly killed Michael Capuz, 36, a construction foreman, during an argument before midnight.

The Mortifero and his wife Melanie are members of Kadamay, the organization that led last year’s occupation of idle housing units in six Bulacan shelter projects.

Capuz joined a group of families which broke away from Kadamay and negotiated with the National Housing Authority for terms so they could legitimately own the properties they took on March 8, 2017.

At 11:30 p.m., Capuz and his three companions approached Melanie to ask why her son had been insulting them.

Mortifero interrupted them and asked, “Ano ba problema ninyo (What is your problem?)”

Police said Melanie was infuriated when Capuz accidentally pushed her cart towards their fence and reportedly commanded her husband to fire at them.

Capuz was rushed to the nearest Rural Health Unit at Pandi Residence 3 in Barangay (village) Mapulang Lupa but was declared dead on arrival.

Mortifero also wounded Lorenzo Ofalsa, 34; Nimuel Capuz, 23; and Cris Baguinaon, 27, a teacher, from Quezon City. They were being treated at the Rogaciano Medical Hospital In Sta. Maria town.

Mortifero fled but responding Pandi police arrested Melanie.

Recovered from the crime scene were three empty shells fired from a handgun.

Last month, Capuz’s breakaway group, which is composed of 213 families led by Jeffrey Ariz, filed complaints of grave threat against Kadamay officials, who have allegedly been harassing them for transacting with NHA.