Police arrested the suspect in the fatal shooting of an 80-year-old man in Baliwag City, Bulacan within three hours after the incident, following a swift investigation and hot pursuit operation by the Police Regional Office 3. Authorities are preparing the filing of a murder complaint as the investigation continues. (Jason de Asis)
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) arrested the suspect in the fatal shooting of an 80-year-old man in Baliwag City, Bulacan within three hours after the incident on Sunday.
The shooting occurred at around 7 a.m. along Purok 2, Barangay Piel, where the victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds. The gunman fled the scene on board a motorcycle.
Police immediately secured the area while investigators launched a follow-up investigation. Witness interviews, the collection of physical evidence, and the review of available closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage provided crucial leads that enabled authorities to identify the suspect and trace his movements.
Close coordination among operating units led to the suspect’s arrest at around 10 a.m., less than three hours after the shooting.
Meanwhile, personnel of the Bulacan Forensic Unit’s Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) processed the crime scene at about 9:30 a.m. and recovered four fired cartridge cases of undetermined caliber and one fired bullet. The evidence will undergo ballistic and forensic examination as part of the investigation.
Authorities also recovered a 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol loaded with one magazine containing one live round of ammunition, a white Yamaha Mio Gear motorcycle believed to have been used as the getaway vehicle, and clothing allegedly worn by the suspect during the incident.
The recovered firearm, ammunition, and other pieces of evidence will be subjected to further ballistic and forensic examinations.
Police are preparing the filing of a murder complaint against the suspect before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Malolos City, Bulacan.
PRO3 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez said the swift arrest underscores the importance of prompt, evidence-based police work.
“Every minute after a crime is committed is critical. In this case, our investigators immediately pursued every available lead—from witness accounts and CCTV footage to the recovery of physical evidence—which enabled us to identify and arrest the suspect in less than three hours. We will continue to ensure that every investigation is guided by facts, supported by evidence, and carried out with the urgency and professionalism that the public deserves,” Mendez said.
He also commended the operating units for their coordinated response, emphasizing that rapid police action and thorough investigations remain essential in ensuring offenders are brought to justice. (Jason de Asis)