Quezon City: The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday assured a prompt and thorough probe into the fatal shooting of an official of the House of Representatives. Director Mauricio Pulhin, 63, chief of Technical Staff of the House Committee on Ways and Means, was gunned down over the weekend in an incident that has raised concerns over the safety of government personnel.
According to Philippines News Agency, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla expressed the DOJ's strong condemnation of the incident and vowed justice for the slain official. Remulla stated, "This Department has the full capability and unyielding resolve to pursue and capture those responsible. We will be working hand-in-hand with the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation, dedicating every appropriate resource to ensure these criminals are identified, apprehended, and made to face the full force of the law. We will leave no stone unturned until justice is swiftly and decisively served."
Remulla emphasized the seriousness with which the DOJ is treating the case, especially given the targeting of a public service official. The DOJ committed to diligently and carefully working through the investigation, ensuring that every lead is thoroughly followed, all evidence meticulously examined, and every viable option explored to hold the perpetrators accountable.
He urged the public to assist authorities in bringing the perpetrators to justice, saying, "We call on anyone who may have information, no matter how small, to please step forward and share it with the authorities. Your cooperation is crucial to the success of this investigation."
According to the Quezon City Police District, the shooting occurred around 2:50 p.m. on Sunday during Pulhin's daughter's birthday celebration in Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City. Initial investigations revealed that two unidentified suspects entered the venue and shot the victim at close range, also firing at the subdivision's security guard while fleeing on a motorcycle. Pulhin was rushed to the Far Eastern University-Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation Hospital but was later declared dead by the attending physician.
