APRIL 29, 2026 — The two men caught in the brazen daylight ambush along Timog Avenue corner EDSA have died, police confirmed Tuesday night. What started as a shocking road shooting in Quezon City has now turned into a grim reminder of how violence can strike even in the busiest corners of the metro.

“Norberto,” 51, who was driving the white Suzuki S-Presso, was declared dead on arrival at East Avenue Medical Center at 4:49 p.m. His passenger, “Ceferino,” 75, fought for his life but was pronounced dead at 6:55 p.m. Both were hit when motorcycle-riding gunmen riddled their car with bullets in the middle of rush-hour traffic.

Witnesses said the attackers blocked the hatchback before firing repeatedly, leaving motorists scrambling in panic. Police later counted multiple bullet holes piercing the windshield and body of the vehicle.

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has since deployed its Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit and a Special Investigation Team to track down the suspects. Scene of the Crime Operatives recovered slugs believed to be from a .45 caliber pistol. 

CCTV footage is now being reviewed to trace the killers’ escape route, reportedly toward Cubao.

In its statement, QCPD assured, “A thorough and ongoing investigation is being conducted to determine the identities and whereabouts of the suspects and to establish the motive behind the incident. Police operations have been intensified to ensure the swift arrest of those responsible.”

This wasn’t a crime in some dark alley — it happened in broad daylight, on one of Quezon City’s busiest intersections, just minutes away from the police headquarters. It raises the question of how safe our streets really are when killers can strike so openly.

With incidents like this unfolding in the heart of Metro Manila, can the DILG’s bold claim of a 50 percent drop in crime really feel true to the public?

(Image: Philippine News Agency | Facebook)