Bulacan board member, driver slain in gun attack

INQUIRER FILES

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan — A board member in this province and his driver were killed in an attack by a lone gunman while traveling in their vehicle on Thursday evening (Oct. 3), while the victims were on their way home in San Rafael town.

Ramil Capistrano, 56, who served as the president of the Bulacan Association of Barangay Captains (ABC), along with his driver, Shedrick Suarez, 27, both residents of Barangay Caingin in San Rafael, died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds.

Colonel Rommel Geneblazo, police chief of Malolos City, said the victims were on their usual route through Barangay Ligas when a gunman opened fire on their black Mitsubishi Montero around 6:30 p.m.

Citing witnesses, investigators said the assailant, who was wearing a jacket, emerged suddenly, walking in front of the vehicle before strafing the windshield with bullets.

More than 20 of the more than 30 bullet holes were concentrated on the passenger side where Capistrano was seated. He had just left the Bulacan Capitol after attending the weekly session of the Provincial Board.

Two female staff members with Capistrano managed to escape by jumping out of the vehicle.

Crime scene investigators recovered empty 9mm shell casings from the scene.

Capistrano, who was also serving as barangay chairman of Caingin, earned his seat on the provincial board through his role as ABC federation president.

Vice Gov. Alexis Castro and the entire Provincial Board condemned the attack on their colleague, urging the police to conduct a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrator to justice.

Gov. Daniel Fernando assured Capistrano’s family and the people of Bulacan that he would take all measures to expedite the investigation and deliver justice for Capistrano and his driver. INQ