Top PPA exec in Bataan killed in ambush

LIMAY, Bataan – Police are still facing a blank wall on the ambush-slaying of a top Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) official in broad daylight Friday along a busy highway near the Petron refinery here.

Bataan Port Manager Froilan Abella died while undergoing treatment at St. Michael Hospital in Orion, about 10 kilometers from the ambush site.

The other passenger, Jocelyn Reyes, 49, acting PPA administration chief, was wounded in the attack while Christian Reyes, the driver, was unharmed.

Yesterday, doctors said Jocelyn is now out of danger.

Abella and company came from the Port of Lamao in Limay and were on their way to Bacoor, Cavite aboard a Toyota Fortuner when a gray sports utility vehicle (SUV) overtook them around 5:30 p.m. and sprayed the cars with bullets.

The suspects then fled toward Balanga City. Police are still determining how many suspects participated in the attack. The make and plate number of the suspects’ vehicle have not been determined as of press time yesterday.

Senior Inspector Melanio Santiago, Limay police chief, said Abella was in the front passenger seat during the ambush.

Initial investigation suggests that the ambush was the work of professional killers who targeted Abella and shot him repeatedly at close range.

At least 20 shots were fired from two handguns, probers revealed. Bullet casings for .45-caliber and 9-mm firearms were collected from the crime scene.

Police are studying dash cam footages provided by a concerned citizen to look for leads.