The president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) in Bulacan, Ramil Capistrano, was killed in an ambush in Malolos City on the evening of October 3, 2024.

Capistrano and his driver were gunned down by unidentified assailants while inside an SUV.

According to the Bulacan Police, Capistrano was on his way home after a session when the attack happened.

“Ang nangyari po, pauwi na po siya after ng session. Inabangan po sila along service road ng Malolos City, bandang 6:30 po ng gabi,” PMaj. Norheda Usman, spokesperson for the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Capistrano, said.

Both Capistrano and his driver died on the spot.

A special task group has been formed to investigate the case, though authorities stated it is too early to determine if the attack is election-related.

“Sa ngayon po, hindi pa po namin mako-consider na election-related. Hindi pa po siya nag-file ng candidacy,” Usman said.

Friends of Capistrano were shocked by the incident, describing him as kind and without enemies.

“Wala naman pong kagalit iyan. Sana gawin nila lahat ng magagawa nila para maresolba,” Mayor Mark Cholo Violago, a close friend of Capistrano, said.

Police investigation continues, as of this writing.