Plastics firm owner ambushed in Valenzuela

MANILA, Philippines - At least three armed men ambushed the owner of a plastics factory just as he was going to work in Valenzuela City yesterday morning.

Police said William Guilatco, 52, owner of Columbia Plastic Manufacturing, is fighting for his life at the Fatima Medical Center, where he was taken for treatment.

Guilatco sustained a gunshot wound in the left armpit, according to Police Officer 3 Richard Bautista, who added that an X-ray image taken by attending physicians showed one bullet lodged in his spinal cord.

Witnesses recognized one gunman as Jerry Ocampo, a supplier of scrap plastics, who is known to the victim.

Ocampo reportedly fled in a Mitsubishi L-300 with two other unidentified companions. Witnesses failed to jot down the vehicle’s plate number.

Police are still determining the motive for the ambush.

Police records showed Guilatco was ambushed as he was driving his gold Mitsubishi Adventure out of his house gates at around 10 a.m.

Ocampo allegedly shot at Guilatco as he drove by. Although wounded, witnesses said Guilatco ran after his attackers but fell. He was taken to the hospital by a brother, identified as Jessie Ching. The victim recognized Ocampo before passing out, police said.

Police have launched a manhunt for Ocampo and his cohorts.