Father of Ateneo gunman shot dead in Basilan

(UPDATE) THE father of the gunman in the shooting incident at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City was shot dead just outside his residence in Lamitan, Basilan, early Friday morning, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

The victim, identified as Rolando Yumol, father of Dr. Chao-Tiao Yumol, the main suspect in the shooting last July 24, was gunned down in his home on Rizal St.

"Our police personnel in Lamitan City is already conducting an investigation regarding the case. So far, it is speculative to assume its direct relation to the shooting incident that happened last Sunday at the Ateneo de Manila University," PNP PIO Chief, BGen. Roderick Alba said.

The assailants escaped but police would not say whether the killing was connected to the murder of Rosita Furigay, wife of Lamitan City Mayor Roderick Furigay.

The former mayor was killed by the doctor while attending the graduation of her daughter Hanna at Ateneo. Furigay's aide Victor George Capistrano, and Jeneven Bandiola, a campus security guard, were also killed in the attack that wounded the former mayor's daughter.

No individual or group has claimed responsibility.

Police said it filed criminal charges against the killer of the former mayor, who previously worked at a clinic in Lamitan. Yumol is locked in a legal battle with the Furigays. He was previously ambushed while driving his bullet-proof car in Zamboanga City in December 2020. He was unhurt.

Source: TheManila Times