QCPD: Lensman’s shooting solved but not closed

COLLARED Suspects in the ambush shooting of photojournalist Rene Joshua Abad and his relatives are presented by police in Camp Karingal. From left is alias “Bingbong” and alias “Mata.” —LYN RILLON

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has announced that the case of the shooting of photojournalist Joshua Abiad and his family was now considered solved following the seizure of one of the vehicles used in the ambush and the arrest of the two gunmen.

On Tuesday, police apprehended one of the suspects, Eduardo Almario Legazpi II, who was allegedly a professional gun-for-hire.

The second suspect, identified as alias “Mata,” was arrested on Thursday night. He reportedly served as the lookout and drove a motorcycle that trailed the vehicle of the assailants.

The next day, Friday, authorities seized the vehicle in Barangay San Anton, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija.

The car was brought to the QCPD’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group at Camp Karingal for safekeeping.

Despite these developments, QCPD Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre said the case was not yet “closed” as a manhunt operation for at least seven more suspects was still ongoing.

According to Torre, they are still searching for the whereabouts of a former barangay chairman in Pasay City, alias “Nanad,” who was the alleged mastermind of the crime.

Illegal drug record Torre added that “Nanad” has a record of illegal drug charges.

Abiad was onboard a car with his family last June 29 when assailants in another vehicle blocked their way and fired at them.

He survived the attack but his 4-year-old nephew later died due to injuries. Four others and two minors were wounded in the shooting incident.

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