Driver in White Plains, QC shooting dies

Policemen secure a bullet-riddled white Hyundai van along Katipunan Ave. Extension, Barangay White Plains.
INQUIRER PHOTO/LYN RILLON

The driver in the White Plains, Quezon City shooting who was previously in critical condition has died on Thursday morning, police said.

A report from Radyo Inquirer said that Ronebert Ycot, driver of the van where one of his passengers was killed, died at 6:21 am in The Medical City, according to Chief Inspector Rodel Marcelo, head of the Quezon City Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit.

On Tuesday night, Jose Maria Abaya, son of former Philippine Constabulary general Antonio Abaya, opened fire at a passenger van along Katipunan Avenue Extension in Brgy. White Plains, which he thought was out to take him.

Bank manager Joyce Santos was killed immediately after the incident.

 BACKSTORY: Woman killed, 2 hurt in White Plains shooting | 1 dead, 2 hurt as man fires upon van in QC

During the investigation, Abaya said he thought the van was following him. It was later revealed that the van driven by Ycot had a stopped over in front of a store in Katipunan after it overheated. When Abaya left on his motorcycle, the van soon followed.

Abaya said he thought the vehicle was following to take him back to a rehabilitation center, where he was confined for “depression” and “possibly drugs.”

READ: General’s son ‘not sorry’ for killing woman in White Plains, QC

Marcelo said because of the driver’s death, the murder case charged against Abaya would be changed to a double murder case. JE