Assassins’ bullets miss dzRH pilot but hit four-year-old girl

The pilot of the helicopter used by radio station dzRH in its early morning program "Traffic in the Sky" survived an assassination attempt last Sunday in Antipolo City.

However, the bullet intended for pilot John Layco, 26, hit instead four—year-old Unize Balbara, one of the passengers in his dark green Isuzu Highlander with license plate WJN 432.

Superintendent Jose Dayco, Antipolo City police chief, has ordered a manhunt for the three gunmen, who were clad in dark blue T-shirts with PNP markings and who fled on board an unlicensed red Toyota Corolla.

Initial investigation showed that Layco was cruising Sumulong Highway in Barangay Mayamot at about 11 p.m. when the gunmen blocked his path.

Layco’s group was on the lane headed toward Marikina City, while the gunmen were on the opposite lane toward Antipolo City.

With drawn handguns, the unidentified men alighted from their vehicle and ordered Layco to step out of the Isuzu Highlander. But instead of heeding, he stepped on the accelerator and sped off.

Unable to get their target, the gunmen opened fire and one of the bullets hit Balbara in the head. She was rushed to the New Era Hospital in Quezon City and was later transferred to an undisclosed hospital. She was listed in critical condition, Dayco said.

Layco’s car was riddled with bullets. But his relatives, Emincio, 49, Nercissa, 28, and Donald Layco, 18, and Balbara’s mother, Lenicia, 27, were unhurt.

Dayco said he would invite Layco for questioning to determine who could be behind the slay attempt against him.