Tabloid columnist escapes ambush attempt in Valenzuela City

By Ronron
May 18, 2005

A columnist of Metro Manila-based tabloid Bulgar survived an ambush attempt against him Wednesday dawn by unidentified suspects, police said.

Pablo Hernandez III, 41, was on his way home with a companion and was cruising along Rosario St. in Valenzuela City on board a yellow car when he was fired upon at around 3:30 am by two motorcycle-riding men who were trailing them, said Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Col. Leopoldo Bataoil.

The car, a Toyota Corona with plate number NMS-287, was being driven by Hernandez’ driver, George Macalla, 32.

The suspects were on board an Enduro motorcycle, colored white and black with unspecified plate number, and were armed with an unknown handgun.

Initial investigation revealed that the suspects, coming from the back of the victims, overtook the car and blocked the latter before shooting Hernandez several times but missed.

The car was hit four times on its hood and wind shield.

Hernandez told Bataoil he was able to fire back using his Ingram pistol, prompting the suspects to withdraw towards the direction of Gen. T. de Leon Road of said city. Hernandez is said to be an authorized gun-carrier.

Police later recovered from the crime scene a spent shell for 9 mm caliber pistol and a ball cap believed to be owned by one of the suspects.

On February 8 of this year, Hernandez also survived an attack by a hired killer, the first attempt against his life.

Police is not yet certain whether or not the attacks were related to Hernandez’ profession but the columnist claimed in a radio interview the attacks were most likely related to his job.

“The PNP assures him (Hernandez) that we will look into the incident… The Valenzuela City Police will be patrolling the vicinity of his residence in Quezon City to ensure the security of Mr. Hernandez,” PNP Acting Chief Dep. Dir. Gen. Ricardo de Leon said at a press conference later in the afternoon at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

The attack on Hernandez came after a publisher-editor in Dingalan, Aurora was shot dead by assailants allegedly hired by the local chief executive there./DMS