Driver shot dead in Edsa-Ayala tunnel ‘road rage’

MANILA, Philippines – A stay-in driver was killed in a shooting incident along the southbound lane of the Edsa Ayala tunnel in Makati City on Tuesday afternoon.

The Makati City Police said Aniceto Mateo, 65, was shot to death at around 2:30 p.m.  by the suspect who was aboard a black Mercedes Benz with a plate number of BCS77.

Police said Mateo, together with passengers Marites Valmorio, 47, and a minor were on board a white Toyota Innova and were on their way to Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

Police said it was a case of road rage.

“[A]nd as a result the driver/occupant of the Mercedes Benz with the use of unknown firearm fired shot towards the moving Toyota Innova, hitting the right passenger window that passed through the back right shoulder of the driver/victim causing his instantaneous death, where the bullet exited on the left window of the said Toyota Innova,” the police report read.

The victim maneuvered the vehicle to the right corner of the Edsa Ayala tunnel after he was shot, where Valmorio asked for help from other motorists.

Authorities who arrived at the scene recovered a fired cartridge which will be subjected to ballistic examination.

The Mercedes Benz was found to be registered under a certain Susumu Hosai of  Las Pinas City. It will still be subject to validation, the police said.

“Hot pursuit operation is now being undertaken by joint operatives of this police station for possible apprehension of the said suspect,” the Makati City police said.

The incident prompted the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to temporarily close the area to motorists.