Asistio seriously wounded in shooting

MANILA, Philippines - Pro golfer Antonio Asistio II was shot and seriously wounded during a post-Christmas party with friends in Marikina City last Monday.

Asistio, a former national team mainstay who backstopped a number of national teams to the SEA Games, the Putra Cup, Nomura Cup and the World Amateurs, was hit in the left eye and upper left back portion of his body.

He is now being treated at the Medical City hospital in Pasig City.

Asistio, 22, was initially rushed to the nearby Saint Anthony Medical Center but was transferred later to the Medical City upon the recommendation of his attending physician.

It was not yet known whether Asistio, nephew of Caloocan City Rep. Luis “Baby” Asistio, would lose his eyesight.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is eyeing personal grudge in the attack against Asistio.

“We have ruled out robbery as the motive behind the attack since nothing was taken from the victim. We are pursuing the personal grudge angle,” said Supt. Danilo Macerin, deputy chief of the CIDG National Capital Region.

Eastern Police District director Chief Supt. Francisco Manalo said Asistio and his friends did not report the incident to the Marikina City police.

The shooting happened last Dec. 26 but it was only the next day when Chief Inspector Manuel Cube of the CIDG East Sector, conducted an investigation after being tipped off by an informant of the shooting.

Macerin said Asistio and his live-in partner corporate lawyer Catherine Fong, 34, and friends lawyer Sarah Mae Cruz and fellow golfer Erwin Vinluan were engaged in a drinking session in the garage of the victim’s rented house at No. 21-R Elm Street, New Marikina Heights, Barangay San Roque at about 11:30 p.m.

The unidentified suspect opened fire twice at Asistio, who was seated facing the gate, Macerin said, adding that Fong and the victim’s two other drinking companions failed to see the face of the gunman.

The victim’s neighbors claimed that prior to the shooting, they noticed a color red vehicle coming in and out of the street where Asistio’s apartment is located.

“But nobody was able to jot down the plate number of the car so we have nothing to start our investigation,” said Macerin.

The doctors asked the CIDG probers to let Asistio rest for few days before subjecting him to questioning. Macerin also said they would question Fong, Cruz and Vinluan and some golfing buddies of Asistio to shed light on the case.

Asistio turned pro in 2010 and vied for at least two titles but faltered in the final round in both times, finishing No. 16 in the Order of Merit standing. Asistio, however, struggled this season, missing the cut at least five times before winding up at 37th place in the ranking.