MANILA, Philippines — A security escort of Isko Moreno, the mayor of Manila, was shot and killed by unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle in the district of Tondo, Manila, Philippines early Sunday morning, March 15.

The victim was identified as George Capistrano, 56, a retired police officer and resident of Barangay 134, Balut. According to the Manila Police District, the shooting took place at around 12:00 a.m. at the corner of Salonga and Buendia Streets.

Initial reports indicated that Capistrano was attacked by two suspects riding a motorcycle, a method commonly associated with so-called “riding-in-tandem” incidents in the Philippines. After the shooting, the suspects quickly fled the scene.

The victim was immediately rushed to Tondo Medical Center in an attempt to save his life. However, hospital personnel later declared him dead on arrival due to the severity of his gunshot wounds.

Authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the motive behind the attack and to identify the individuals responsible. Police have launched a manhunt for the two suspects as part of the ongoing investigation.

The incident has drawn attention due to the victim’s connection to the Manila mayor’s security detail and his background as a former law enforcement officer. Cases involving riding-in-tandem suspects have long been a concern among residents in urban areas, often raising questions about public safety and law enforcement responses.

As investigators work to gather evidence and track down the perpetrators, the incident has again sparked public discussion about security risks and targeted violence.

For many observers, the situation raises a pressing question: Was the attack a random act of violence, or could it be linked to the victim’s role in protecting a high-profile public official?

(Larawan mula sa: Manila Bulletin)