Manhunt on for road rage suspect

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has launched a manhunt for the man seen shooting an information technology professional over the weekend, an official said yesterday.

The QCPD released a sketch of the suspect who shot dead Anthony Mendoza, 27, over a road altercation at the intersection of Quezon and D. Tuazon Avenues in Barangay Doña Josefa on Saturday afternoon.

Chief Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar, QCPD director, described the suspect as between 35 and 45 years old, with straight black hair and fair skin. The description was provided by Mendoza’s brother, Michael, who was with the victim during the shooting.

The assailant was driving a white sport utility vehicle (SUV) – possibly a Toyota Land Cruiser with plate number AHA-3454 – which fled towards the northbound lane of Quezon Avenue following the shooting.

Eleazar said they are not entirely sure about the plate number of the vehicle as initial verification with the Land Transportation Office showed that the number was registered to a Toyota Avanza.

The plate number was given by witnesses, but the first three letters of the license plate were confirmed by Mendoza’s fiancée, Mariann Reginaldo.

Investigators said Mendoza was driving a motorcycle when he cut in front of the SUV’s path as the assailant was trying to beat the red light.

The SUV nearly sideswiped the siblings’ motorcycle, prompting Mendoza to confront the motorist.

Michael said after the heated argument, the driver allegedly pulled out a handgun and shot Mendoza in the back of the head before fleeing.

Reginaldo, Mendoza’s partner of 13 years, said they were preparing for their wedding in 2018 and ordered their ring from Bahrain.

“Abot pangarap na namin lahat eh tapos binawi lang siya ng ganon (We were about to fulfill our dreams when he was killed just like that). We have been together for 13 years. Buhay ko na siya (He is my life). I don’t know where to start kaya humihingi po kami ng tulong (and that is why we are asking for help),” she told reporters.

The QCPD chief assured that they are trying to gather more evidence against the suspect, including more surveillance footage.