Edsa-Ayala tunnel road rage suspect to face murder raps

DILG Sec. Benjamin Abalos Jr. presents the suspect before media members in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. INQUIRER.net/ Faith Argosino

MANILA, Philippines (Updated) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will file a murder case against the suspect who allegedly killed a stay-in driver during a shooting incident along the southbound lane of the Edsa Ayala tunnel in Makati on Tuesday afternoon.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. announced this during a press conference in Camp Crame shortly after identifying the suspect as Gerard Raymond Talusan.

“The PNP is preparing to file a case of murder against the suspect,” Abalos said

READ: Suspect in fatal road rage incident in Edsa-Ayala tunnel arrested

Before the briefing, the Department of the Interior and Local Government secretary confirmed the suspect’s arrest in a Viber message to reporters.

He revealed that Talusan was arrested on Wednesday morning.

Based on police reports, 65-year-old driver Aniceto Mateo was shot to death at around 2:30 p.m. by the suspect, who was aboard a black Mercedes Benz with a plate number BCS77.

During a later briefing, Abalos revealed that the black Mercedes Benz was registered to a certain individual living in Las Piñas who could no longer be found in the area. A follow-up operation eventually led to the suspect’s location along Riverside Village, Pasig City.

Citing a police report, the DILG official said a black Mercedes Benz with the plate number DAD98670 was found in the residence, and the plate number BCS77 was also found inside the vehicle.

He further revealed that two caliber pistols were seized from the suspect and were brought to the PNP Forensic Group for ballistic examination while the suspect was subjected to a paraffin test.

Results showed that the alleged gunman tested positive for gunpowder from the confiscated firearm — a Taurus pistol — which Abalos said matched with the recovered fired cartridge at the scene as revealed by the ballistic examination.

Upon checking with the Firearms and Explosives Office, PNP likewise discovered that no firearms were registered under the suspect’s name.

READ: How to prevent road rage: Drivers say patience, knowledge of safety rules are important

Authorities disclosed that Mateo was with passengers Marites Valmorio, 47, and a minor when the shooting incident occurred. They were on board a white Toyota Innova and were on their way to Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

After this, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority temporarily closed the area to motorists.