PNP forms task force to probe QC shooting of journalist

A special investigation task group (SITG) has been created to probe the shooting incident involving a journalist and his family in Quezon City on Thursday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday.

In a statement, PNP Public Information Office chief Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan said PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. ordered expediting the investigation and identification of the perpetrators.

“To ensure a thorough and efficient investigation, the Quezon City Police District created SITG ABIAD , the Special Investigation Task Group, which will meticulously gather evidence and testimonies,” he said.

“We are sparing no effort in our quest to gather substantial evidence and testimonies to shed light on this incident, ultimately leading to the immediate arrest of the perpetrators,” he added.

The victim, Joshua Abiad, a photographer for Remate Online, was riding in a car with some relatives when another vehicle blocked their way in Barangay Masambong around 3 p.m. on Thursday.

A man wearing a black jacket got off the car and started firing shots and fled. A motorcycle rider was also seen serving as a lookout.

After the shooting incident, the perpetrators fled towards Del Monte Avenue using their getaway vehicle.

The police identified the other victims as three minors aged 4, 6, and 7; Renato Abiad Jr., 41 years old; Cheryl Abiad, 42; and Elizabeth Abiad, 37.

Abiad was immediately brought to the hospital and is now safe.

A bystander identified as Jeffrey Ngo Cao, 47 years old, was also hit by a stray bullet, according to the police.

Maranan, who is also the focal person for the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), said authorities are working with the victim's family and colleagues for the investigation.

“In light of this unfortunate event, the PNP Media Vanguards will directly oversee the course of the investigation, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process,” he said.

Maranan called on the public to provide any information that may help the investigation.

“Together, we can create a society where media workers can work without fear and where acts of violence against them are unequivocally condemned,” he said. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News