Persons of interest tagged in House official’s murder
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III said on Tuesday that they have identified persons of interest in the killing of a House of Representatives staff by unidentified gunmen on June 15.
A special investigation task group has also been formed to look into the case of Mauricio Pulhin, technical staff chief of the House ways and means committee, although Torre declined to give more details
“Investigation is ongoing, [a] manhunt operation is ongoing. We hope to resolve this case as soon as possible,” the PNP chief told reporters.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) also vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the murder of Pulhin, who was shot dead during his daughter’s birthday party in Quezon City.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the DOJ would work with the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators behind the killing.
“We will leave no stone unturned until justice is swiftly and decisively served. Let me be clear: we do not take cases like this lightly, especially when they target those in public service,” Remulla said in a statement.
Full force of the law
He added that the DOJ “will work diligently and carefully, ensuring that every lead is thoroughly followed, all evidence is meticulously examined, and every viable option is explored to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable under the full force of the law.”
Remulla also urged anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist authorities, emphasizing that their cooperation “is crucial to the success of this investigation.”
Pulhin, 63, was shot at 2:55 p.m. on Sunday at the venue of his daughter’s birthday celebration in a subdivision in Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City.
On Monday, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said it had formed a special investigation team to pursue the suspects, while witnesses were being interviewed for possible leads.
Based on its initial investigation, the QCPD said two unidentified suspects entered the venue and shot the victim in the head at close range.
As they fled on a motorcycle, the suspects also fired at the subdivision’s security guard before escaping.
Pulhin was rushed to a hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.
