The chief of the National Center for Mental Health and his driver were killed in an ambush in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City, Monday morning.
According to Quezon City Police District Station 3 chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Gabriel, one of the victims was Dr. Roland Cortez, NCMH chief.
The driver identified as Ernesto Dela Cruz.
The remains of the victims were found inside a red Toyota Vios with gunshot wounds at the intersection of Cassanova Drive and Tandang Sora Avenue.
Based on the information gathered by the authorities, the suspects allegedly escaped on a motorcycle.
Authorities are still investigating the incident.
The Department of Health meanwhile issued a statement regarding NCMH chief and his driver’s death:
The Department of Health is shocked and alarmed at the news of the ambush of National Center for Mental Health Medical Chief Dr. Roland L. Cortez, and his driver, Ernesto Dela Cruz that occurred this morning, 27 July 2020.
The DOH family extends its deepest condolences to the families of Dr. Roland and Mr. Ernesto, and vows to pursue justice for their untimely deaths. Dr. Cortez was a respected leader who sought to treat clients with utmost dignity. DOH is coordinating with authorities and the PNP-CIDU to ensure that the perpetrators are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The DOH denounces all violent acts committed against healthcare workers, especially during these difficult times.
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80 families lose house due to fire in Cagayan de Oro
About 80 families lost their homes in the fire that hit the residential area in Barangay Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro, on Sunday morning.
Authorities said the fire started at around 8:20 am which damaged about 50 houses. Fire out was declared at around 10:50 am.
It is said that firefighters had difficulty extinguishing the fire due to the inability of the fire truck to enter the area.
“Actually medyo mahirap ‘yong accessibility ng area considering na medyo masikip ‘yong daan saka mabilis ‘yong pagkalat ng apoy,” said Fire Senior Inspector Sam Laurence Velarde.
Authorities did not report any injuries or casualties in the incident.
During the initial investigation, the fire started in the house of an Arnel Colang. No one was in the house when the fire broke out.