NEWS: Fatal Shooting in Calamba City Sparks Manhunt: Suspect Linked to Drug-Related Motive

March 24, 2024

2–4 minutes

The tranquility of Calamba City was shattered in the early hours of March 23, 2024, as a harrowing shooting incident unfolded on Service Road, Elepaño 2, Barangay 3, claiming the life of Enrique Opeña Ustaris. The Calamba City Police Station swiftly responded to a distress call from the Barangay Public Safety Officer (BPSO) of Barangay Tres, who reported the tragic event.

Eyewitness Imelda Evangelista Bautista provided a chilling account of the incident, stating that while she was engaged in routine sweeping along the roadside, she observed Ustaris riding his tricycle towards Barangay Tres, being relentlessly pursued by an unidentified assailant. The pursuit culminated in a hail of gunfire, resulting in Ustaris sustaining fatal injuries, succumbing to the violence on the spot. The perpetrator swiftly fled the scene, disappearing into the Lecheria direction, leaving behind a community reeling in shock and disbelief.

In the wake of the senseless tragedy, authorities are exploring a possible motive, with initial investigations hinting at a connection to unpaid debts related to illegal drug transactions. It is speculated that Ustaris’s attempt to evade payment may have triggered the fatal altercation, plunging him into the crosshairs of violence.

In response to the grave nature of the incident, the Calamba City Police Station wasted no time in mobilizing a multi-faceted approach to bring the perpetrator to justice:

1. **Manhunt Operation:** A comprehensive manhunt operation is currently underway, spearheaded by dedicated personnel determined to apprehend the suspect responsible for Ustaris’s untimely demise. The city remains on high alert as law enforcement agencies intensify their efforts to locate and apprehend the perpetrator.

2. **Dragnet Operation:** With the cooperation of the community, personnel from the Calamba City Police Station have initiated a dragnet operation in strategic locations, casting a wide net in the hopes of intercepting and detaining the suspect.

3. **Collaborative Efforts:** Recognizing the gravity of the situation, authorities have reached out to the Laguna Provincial Police Office (LPPO) Provincial Tactical Operations Center (PTOC), seeking their assistance in coordinating efforts and expanding the search perimeter to maximize the likelihood of apprehending the suspect.

4. **Surveillance Footage Analysis:** In a bid to gather vital clues, law enforcement agencies are meticulously reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity, scouring for any potential sightings or leads that may aid in identifying and locating the fleeing suspect.

5. **Witness Testimonies:** The Incident and Case Operations (IOC) unit is diligently collecting detailed statements from eyewitnesses, piecing together the sequence of events leading up to the fatal encounter, and providing valuable insights to support the ongoing investigation.

6. **Forensic Examination:** The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) team has been summoned to meticulously process the crime scene, gathering forensic evidence that may provide crucial insights into the identity of the perpetrator and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

7. **Autopsy Procedure:** As part of the investigative process, the cadaver of the victim will undergo a thorough autopsy examination, shedding light on the precise cause of death and potentially uncovering additional evidence to bolster the case against the perpetrator.

As the community grapples with shock and grief in the aftermath of this tragic event, authorities are urging anyone with information pertaining to the incident or the whereabouts of the suspect to come forward and assist in the pursuit of justice. The resolve of law enforcement agencies remains unwavering as they vow to tirelessly pursue the perpetrator and bring closure to the loved ones of Enrique Opeña Ustaris, whose life was tragically cut short amidst the turmoil of violence and crime.