Motorcycle rider and innocent student killed in Novaliches shooting incident

• A 29-year-old motorcycle rider was killed after being rammed and shot by riding-in-tandem suspects in Novaliches on Sunday night
• A 24-year-old Criminology student who was simply biking in the area also lost his life after being hit by a stray bullet during the police chase
• The primary victim reportedly had a criminal record related to illegal substance and had allegedly been receiving death threats since his recent release from jail
• Police officers involved in the pursuit are currently under restrictive custody while authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the student's death

A violent Sunday night in Novaliches has left two families grieving after a targeted shooting evolved into a deadly police pursuit. The incident, which took place on February 1, 2026, resulted in the death of a 29-year-old motorcycle rider and an innocent Criminology student who was caught in the crossfire.

According to Lt. Col. Michael John Nerona Villanueva, Station Commander of Novaliches Police Station 4, the primary victim was entering Villareal Street on his motorcycle when he was intercepted by two men on a bike.

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“Nagmomotor siya papasok ng street na yon, ng Villareal tapos sinalubong siya ng riding in tandem. Well, initial investigation binangga pa nga raw siya eh. Kaya, siya bumagsak,” Villanueva explained. Once the rider was down, the suspects reportedly opened fire, killing him on the spot.

Police revealed that the rider had a history of illegal substance-related offenses under Republic Act 9165. “Dati na rin po kasing nakulong yung victim at initial information namin, is kakalaya palang ng victim. May mga threats na rin daw sa kanya. 9165 about illegal dr*gs yun po yung mga kinakasangkutan niya,” Villanueva added. Despite this, Barangay Gulod officials clarified that the victim had no negative record or complaints filed against him at the local level.

The tragedy deepened when responding police officers spotted the suspects fleeing toward Quirino Highway. During the high-speed chase, the suspects allegedly made a move to draw their weapons, prompting the police to fire back. “Doon sa part naman ng mga responding police officers natin, hinabol nila yung suspek noong allegedly akmang bubunot daw ng baril yung riding in tandem pinaputukan na nila yung suspek,” the commander stated.

Unfortunately, a 24-year-old Criminology student, who worked at a funeral home and was just riding his bicycle nearby, was hit during the exchange. He later passed away from his injuries. Because of this, the officers involved in the response have been placed under restrictive custody. “Kaya nagka-conduct rin kami ng investigation regarding din doon sa nangyaring police response. Actually those police officers na involved is kasalukuyang naka restrictive custody,” Villanueva confirmed.

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Novaliches has long been a densely populated area where motorcycle-related crimes are a significant concern for the Quezon City Police District (QCPD). "Riding-in-tandem" attacks often involve professional hitmen or individuals involved in local dr*g wars. The deaths of innocent bystanders, like the Criminology student in this case, often trigger internal investigations within the PNP to determine if "Rules of Engagement" were strictly followed during urban pursuits.

The rise of motorcycle-riding gunmen continues to be a major security challenge across different provinces in the Philippines.

In a shocking act of violence, a local official in Murcia was gunned down just moments after completing a community service activity. Witnesses say the suspects waited for the official to be alone before executing the attack. Local authorities are looking into political rivalry as a possible motive, though no suspects have been identified as of yet.

A tricycle driver was also a victim of a targeted shooting recently, leading to a dangerous chase through busy city streets. The masked assailants reportedly shot the driver at close range before disappearing into the narrow alleys of the neighborhood. Investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footage to track the getaway vehicle used by the killers.

Source: KAMI.com.gh