The Land Transportation Office’s top official has expressed outrage over yesterday’s shooting of a district officer and two civilians during a routine vehicle inspection in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, as authorities launched a manhunt for the suspect.

“I condemn in the strongest term the shooting of the Assistant Chief of our Calapan District Office,” LTO Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II said in a statement, pledging full support for the victims and their families.

The incident occurred at 7:42 a.m. on Nov. 8, 2024 in Barangay Canubing I, Calapan City, when Assistant District Chief Gerardo Garcia was conducting operations against unregistered vehicles.

According to police reports, the suspect, identified as Alvin Roldan Salazar, opened fire after failing to present registration documents for his motorcycle.

Two bystanders were also wounded by stray bullets: Angeles Lopez Marasigan, a resident of Barangay Canubing I, and Bernaldo Alterado Diño Jr., a mechanic from Barangay San Andres, Baco.

But Marasigan, a former barangay captain, later died at a hospital in Calapan.

Calapan City Mayor Malou Flores-Morillo, in a separate statement, has expressed deep condolences over Marasigan’s death.

“Her dedication, compassion, and service to her community will forever remain in our hearts and memories, especially among her constituents,” the mayor said in a statement posted on Facebook.

The local government of Calapan City vowed to support the family’s quest for justice.

In a separate statement, the Calapan City Police Station announced they are conducting follow-up operations and investigating possible motives behind the attack.

“We are treating this incident with utmost seriousness and are currently pursuing all possible leads,” the police statement said.

Meanwhile, Mendoza assured Garcia’s family that the LTO would cover hospitalization and other expenses.

The agency has ordered its offices throughout the MIMAROPA region to post the suspect’s photo in conspicuous areas to aid in the police manhunt.

“I urge the public to help us in bringing justice to Assistant District Office chief Gerardo Garcia and the two other victims,” Mendoza added.

The Calapan City Police Station is asking the public to cooperate with authorities and share any information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest. They have provided a contact number (09537541605) for those with relevant information about the case.

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