21-3-2025 (MANILA) A horrific display of road rage culminated in tragedy Thursday evening when an off-duty police officer fatally shot a 42-year-old pickup truck driver in Quezon City’s Old Balara district, whilst seriously wounding a 51-year-old passenger.
The deadly confrontation unfolded along Tandang Sora Avenue after what witnesses describe as an aggressive lane-changing incident between a closed van and the victims’ pickup truck. The vehicles, travelling from Antipolo City towards Marilao, became entangled in a territorial dispute over road position.
“The officer’s vehicle deliberately forced its way into our lane, leading to a heated exchange,” recounted one of the five passengers, who witnessed the entire ordeal. The situation rapidly escalated when both drivers engaged in competitive manoeuvring, with the white vehicle eventually blocking their path.
In a shocking turn of events, the off-duty officer emerged from his vehicle, struck the pickup driver, and without warning, discharged his firearm multiple times. Crime scene investigators later recovered seven spent cartridge cases at the location.
The pickup driver was pronounced dead upon arrival at hospital, whilst his companion remains in critical condition. The officer immediately surrendered himself to authorities at Quezon City Police District Station 6.
“Is this how a police officer should behave? He executed him as though he were dispatching livestock, then casually walked away,” lamented one of the traumatised passengers, calling for justice. The incident has raised serious questions about police conduct and the abuse of authority, even when off-duty.
The deceased was returning home with family members when the incident occurred, adding a particularly poignant dimension to this senseless act of violence.
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