Trader, driver killed in EDSA ambush

MANILA, Philippines — A businessman and his driver were killed while their female companion was wounded when motorcycle-riding assailants fired at a van along EDSA near Reliance street in Mandaluyong City yesterday.

Jose Ruiz Yulo, 62, and his driver, Allan Nomer Santos, 51, died from gunshots to the body while being treated at the Victor Potenciano Medical Center.

Esmeralda Ignacio, 39, remains under observation in the hospital.

Chief Superintendent Bernabe Balba, director of the Eastern Police District, said the victims were in a Toyota Grandia (NOS-361) along EDSA when the gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire at around 3:30 p.m.

The suspects fled after the attack.

The victims’ vehicle can be seen stalled near the rail tracks of the Metro Rail Transit-3 in a video uploaded on social media.

The shooting occupied two lanes of the thoroughfare, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

The incident occurred while the election gun ban is in place and police have intensified checkpoint operations in Metro Manila as part of security measures for the midterm elections.

Balba said they were investigating the incident to determine the identity of the suspects and their motive for the attack.