Death threats in recent months culminated in a gun attack on the vehicle of Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. at the Skyway in Quezon City on Tuesday morning.
The bulletproof pickup truck with plate no. WDQ 811 was on its way to pick up Al Perreras, Deputy Director General for Administration, the BuCor said.
Driver Cornelio Colalong and companion Leonardo Cabaniero, both Corrections Officers 1, were unharmed.
The BuCor report said unidentified suspects on board a gray sedan overtook the backup car, carrying BuCor officers Edwin Berroya and Michael Magsanoc, and fired at the pickup.
The vehicle was hit at its rear windshield, which shattered the bulletproof glass without penetration.
The suspects’ car fled toward the Nagtahan exit going to Manila.
“Catapang said that both he and Perreras have been receiving death threats since they implemented various reforms in the agency and this incident will not deter them from continuing what they started,” BuCor said in a statement.
The Department of Justice said it is supporting the BuCor in its efforts to implement reforms amid death threats against Catapang and Perrera.
Catapang said the death threats came following the initiation of several reforms within the bureau.
“The Bureau of Corrections and the Department of Justice stand united against any attempts to intimidate or deter its leadership and remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of its personnel and the public,” the joint DOJ-BuCor statement said.
“We are fully behind the Bureau of Corrections during this time. Acts of violence will not deter us; they only emphasize the need for our reforms. We are more committed than ever to ensure the safety of public servants and to pursue justice for such cowardly acts,” it added.
Despite this brazen act of violence, Catapang affirmed the bureau’s “unwavering commitment to persevere with the transformative agenda we have set forth.”
The targeted vehicle was under the temporary command of Perreras at the time of the attack.
Reports indicate that an unidentified gray Toyota Vios aggressively overtook the backup car and proceeded to open fire.
Despite the rear windshield being struck and shattered, the bulletproof glass successfully prevented penetration. Notably, the bullet’s trajectory aimed toward the front passenger side, which is typically occupied by Perreras.
Perreras has directed his security team to formally report the attack to the local police authorities.