An Information Technology (IT) specialist working for a congressional candidate, along with his girlfriend and security aide, were killed in an ambush along Maharlika Highway in Barangay Capihan, San Rafael, Bulacan, on Friday afternoon.
The primary victim was identified as Brian Villaflor, 27, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, San Ildefonso. His girlfriend and security aide, whose names have not yet been released, were also killed.
In a phone interview, Bulacan 3rd District Representative Lorna Silverio confirmed that Villaflor was the IT specialist and social media operator for her team, supporting her son Victor Silverio, who is running for a congressional seat in their district.
Brazen Attack on Busy Highway
According to reports received by Silverio, the three victims were traveling in a black Ford Everest SUV and were heading to SM Baliwag when they were suddenly ambushed by gunmen riding in two SUVs—a Toyota Rav4 and a Mitsubishi Montero—around 3:15 PM.
Eyewitnesses said armed men exited the vehicles and fired indiscriminately, riddling the victims’ SUV with bullets. The driver lost control, crashing into a tricycle and a roadside store.
Villaflor and his bodyguard died on the spot, while his girlfriend was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Authorities said the gunmen fled immediately in an unknown direction. Initial investigations revealed that the victims’ vehicle sustained over 50 bullet holes, indicating the attackers’ intent to ensure no one survived.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and police are now conducting a deeper investigation into possible leads.