Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso vowed an intensified manhunt for the gunman in the killing of retired police officer George Capistrano.
“Itong loko-lokong Albert, expired ka na, ha,” Domagoso said in a television interview, referring to Albert Magdaraog, who was given 48 hours to surrender following the mayor’s ultimatum on Monday, March 16.
Magdaraog was identified as the alleged shooter based on information provided by driver-suspect Liegem Bulalacao Young, also known as “Biboy,” who surrendered to authorities after the 24-hour ultimatum was issued. Young’s cooperation gave investigators critical details that led to the identification of his alleged accomplice.
The mayor stressed that the killing was not politically motivated but a criminal act carried out by a riding-in-tandem robbery group operating in Metro Manila.
“Hindi. Krimen lang ho ito. This is a riding-in-tandem, hold-up robbery, hold-up group, guns out,” Domagoso said.
Preliminary information from Young indicated that such groups have been treating Metro Manila as a base for criminal activity. “At mukhang itong mga grupong ito, ginagawang hanapbuhay yung Metro Manila,” the mayor added.
Domagoso explained that the sequence of events pointed to robbery as the primary motive. Capistrano was approached, his belongings taken, and then shot.
“Kasi kung ang understanding namin, kung talagang target si George for some other motive, no, nung umabante si George, nasa likod na eh. Normal riding-in-tandem, puwede ka nang barilin nakatalikod ka. Pero kinausap talaga para kunin yung mga gamit ni George,” he said.
Capistrano, a retired police officer and member of the mayor’s security detail, was described as well-loved within the Manila Police District. Officers pooled their own funds to raise a ₱500,000 reward as the manhunt for Magdaraog continues. (Diann Calucin)
