MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police (PNP) chief on Monday ordered a “thorough investigation” on the ambush of a reporter covering the Malacañang beat last Sunday.
In a statement, PNP chief, Director General Nicanor Bartolome said that he had ordered the National Capital Region Police Office and the Eastern Police District (EPD) to “dig deep into the shooting incident” for the immediate identification and arrest of suspects involved in the attack against Daily Tribune reporter Fernan Angeles in Pasig City Sunday evening. Angeles was reported in critical condition.
“As we speak, EPD investigators are working double time to limit the movement of the gunman and perhaps effect an arrest soonest,” he said.
Bartolome also said that PNP Task Force Usig has been tapped to extend assistance to the family of Fernan, including security to his immediate family.
As for the motive behind the attack, the PNP chief said, “What we can share at the moment is the information that the violent attack may be the result of a melee or brawl that erupted in Fernan Angeles’ neighborhood on Sunday evening.”
He said this information will form part of the police investigation.
Angeles was walking along Orante Street in Palatiw village around 11 p.m. when still unidentified assailants repeatedly shot him. He was rushed to the Pasig General Hospital and was taken to the intensive care unit owing to his critical condition.
“The Philippine National Police join the colleagues and friends of Daily Tribune reporter Fernan Angeles in expressing the strongest condemnation over the violent attack,” Bartolome said.—Jamie Marie Elona