Ambushed lawmaker had clear view of attacker's face

MANILA, Philippines - Police investigators will ask Kapatiran ng mga Nakulong na Walang Sala (Kakusa) party-list Rep. Arnulfo Canonigo to describe the man who ambushed him in front of his house in Marikina City last Sunday, an official said yesterday.

“We would pay him a visit in his hospital bed anytime this week and ask him to help our police artist to prepare the facial description of the gunman,” said Superintendent Danilo Macerin, deputy chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-National Capital Region (NCR).

He said only Canonigo had a clear look at the face of the gunman, one of four persons who staged the ambush. Neither of his companions – stepson and driver John Paras, 39; and security aide Filomino Saranilla – had a clear look at the faces of the four attackers.

“The gunman opened the door of the passenger seat where Canonigo was seated. The lawmaker had a clear view of the gunman’s face,” Macerin said, adding that Canonigo “suffered only superficial wounds” because he tried to grab the gunman’s hands.

Canonigo remains confined at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City after he suffered gunshot wounds in the arms, legs and neck. Doctors said he is out of danger.

Police Officer 3 Efren Antor said Paras was opening the gate of the lawmaker’s house in Fairlane Subdivision, Barangay Concepcion Uno, when the gunman opened fire at Canonigo. Saranilla ducked for cover upon hearing the gunshots.

Macerin said the gunman also did not utter a word when he shot at Canonigo.

According to National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Alan Purisima, the area in front of the lawmaker’s house is unlighted, making it hard for witnesses to see the faces of the attackers but also the plate number of two motorcycles they used.

Four days after the attack, Purisima admitted they have not yet established the motive behind the ambush.