4 face murder raps over killing of Bulacan provincial exec, driver

Four suspects, including a cop, are now facing a double murder complaint for the killing of Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan board member Ramilito Capistrano and his driver Shedrick Toribio, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) said Tuesday.

The suspects were identified as Police Staff Sergeant Ulysses Hernani Castro Pascual and his cousin Cesar Mayoralgo Gallardo Jr. and their accomplices “Jeff” and “Lupin.”

The complaint was filed with the Prosecutor's Office of Malolos City.

On October 3, Capistrano, who is also the head of Association of Barangay Captains in Bulacan, and Toribio were inside their vehicle when the suspects shot them in Malolos City.

The suspects are also facing attempted murder charges as two other victims were able to escape unharmed during the ambush, the Bulacan Provincial Police Office said.

However, one of the suspects managed to escape the Philippine National Police’s restrictive custody in Camp Crame.

According to a report of Super Radyo dzBB’s Carlo Mateo on Tuesday, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said the police officer who was guarding Pascual has been relieved from his post.

Initial investigation showed that the relieved police allowed Pascual to go home and never returned to police custody since last week, the report said. Pascual is now a subject of a manhunt operation.

With his escape, the PNP said that he would face additional charges. 

“Obviously, maliban sa AWOL cases, other admin cases will be filed against him particularly for violating yung order na under restrictive custody siya and of course, other insubordination na hindi siya pwedeng umalis pending investigation,” said Fajardo. 

(Aside from the AWOL cases, other administrative cases will be filed against him particularly for violating the order that he is supposed to be under restrictive custody, and of course, other insubordination given that he should be detained pending investigation.) 

Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando ordered the provincial police to conduct a thorough probe and announced a P500,000 reward for any information that will lead to the capture of the suspects.

PRO3 chief Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan attributed the identification of the suspects to the creation of the Special Investigation Task Group Capistrano.

“We remain dedicated to bringing all the perpetrators to justice, leaving no stone unturned in our pursuit,” Maranan added.

For his part, Bulacan Provincial Police Office chief Police Colonel Satur Ediong said they will continue to locate the suspects.

“We seek the public's cooperation in providing any information that may aid in their capture. We encourage anyone with relevant details to come forward to help us close this case completely,” Ediong added. — With additional reports from Vince Angelo Ferreras/RSJ/RF, GMA Integrated News