A motorcycle rider was killed in Novaliches after being shot by riding-in-tandem suspects, while a criminology student nearby also lost his life after being struck by a stray bullet. Police are investigating both deaths, with officers involved in the chase placed under restrictive custody.

NOVALICHES, Philippines — February 2, 2026 — A 29-year-old motorcycle rider was fatally shot by riding-in-tandem assailants on Sunday night in Novaliches. The victim, who had reportedly been receiving death threats following his release from jail on drug-related charges, was targeted by two gunmen on a motorcycle. Witnesses said the suspects rammed his vehicle before opening fire, killing him instantly.

Tragically, a 24-year-old criminology student who was biking in the area was also killed after being hit by a stray bullet during the police pursuit of the suspects. Authorities confirmed that the student was not involved in the incident and was simply passing by when the gunfire erupted. His death has sparked outrage in the community, with residents demanding accountability and stricter measures to prevent collateral damage in police operations.

Police officers engaged in the chase have been placed under restrictive custody as investigators determine the circumstances that led to the student’s death. The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said it is coordinating with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to ensure transparency in the probe. Officials stressed that while the primary target was a known individual with a criminal record, the unintended killing of an innocent bystander underscores the risks of armed confrontations in public areas.

Local authorities have condemned the violence and vowed to strengthen anti-crime patrols in Novaliches, where riding-in-tandem attacks have been a recurring problem. Community leaders are urging the government to intensify its crackdown on motorcycle-riding gunmen, who often carry out assassinations and robberies with impunity.

The deaths of both the rider and the student highlight the ongoing challenges of law enforcement in urban areas, where criminal elements exploit mobility and anonymity to evade capture. Residents have expressed fear that such incidents could erode public trust in police operations, especially when innocent lives are lost.

 Collateral Damage in the Name of Order

Armed pursuits in dense neighborhoods are designed to restore order, yet they often unfold in spaces shared by commuters, students, and residents with no connection to the crime. When gunfire enters these environments, risk spreads far beyond the intended targets.

The deaths in Novaliches expose how speed, weapons, and limited visibility compress decision-making during police operations. Even lawful pursuits can produce irreversible harm when tactics do not account for the presence of civilians moving through ordinary routines.

How should public safety be measured when the pursuit of order creates victims who were never part of the threat?