An airport official died at a hospital after she was shot on Bayview Road, just a few meters from a church in Barangay San Pedro.
She was later identified as Joanna Jonson-Infante, former acting manager of the Puerto Princesa International Airport, who had already been serving as an area human resources manager prior to her death.
She was walking past parked cars around 5:28 p.m. when a gunman following her shot her in the back. CCTV footage obtained by Palawan News showed her falling to the ground as the gunman fled.
“Tabang, mama!” Infante can be heard shouting for help in the security camera recording.
Photos that later surfaced indicated personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Puerto Princesa City Fire Station were among the first to respond and assist her before she was taken to the hospital.
She was conscious when she was brought to ACE Medical Center Palawan, where doctors attempted to revive her. She later succumbed to her injuries, according to sources.
Unconfirmed reports circulated in the hours after the shooting that she had been receiving death threats and that an unidentified man on a motorcycle had been following her for more than a week.
Some also alleged that she may have been targeted over anomalies she had uncovered in a certain agency. Authorities have not confirmed these claims.
The city police has yet to release further details but affirmed she was shot at that time in San Pedro.
“The victim, a woman, was immediately transported to ACE Hospital for medical treatment but was declared dead despite emergency care after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds,” the Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO) said Wednesday night in a press statement posted on its social media.
“Initial investigation revealed that, based on CCTV footage, the victim was walking toward a nearby church when the suspect suddenly approached from behind, drew a firearm, and shot her. The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment,” the city police added.
Police Major Noel Manalo, officer-in-charge of Police Station 1, was designated by Police Colonel Cristine Tabdi to ensure strong case build-up and intensify operations to identify, locate, and arrest the suspect.
A special investigation task group (SITG) was also formed to resolve the case.
“Ongoing efforts include gathering witness statements, coordinating with local residents, collecting and reviewing additional CCTV footage in the area, and conducting a meticulous crime scene examination,” the PPCPO said.
The city police also called on anyone with information to coordinate with Police Station 1 to help resolve the case and bring justice to Infante.
Authorities said further details will be released as the investigation progresses.
