QC official slain in road rage shooting

MANILA, Philippines - An official of the Quezon City government’s business permits and licensing office was killed in what appeared to be a road rage shooting in Barangay Kristong Hari at dawn yesterday.

Michael Martinez, 52, of Barangay Pinagkaisahan, was driving his Toyota Corona (ULC-716) along Judge Jimenez street when a quarrel broke out between him and the driver of a white vehicle with seven men on board, said Inspector Elmer Monsalve, chief of Quezon City police’s homicide investigation section.

Martinez was reportedly chasing the suspect’s vehicle for unknown reasons until they stopped near a gasoline station at the corner E. Rodriguez Boulevard in Barangay Kristong Hari.

One of the seven men reportedly pulled out a gun and shot Martinez, hitting him in the chin, case investigator Police Officer 2 Roldan Cornejo said. 

The assailant fled toward Cubao, bringing with him the gun used in the killing.

Investigators found a cartridge case from a 9mm pistol at the crime scene.   

Police said they have yet to determine the motive for the killing, adding that they have a sketch of the assailant.