Ex-close in security of Isko Moreno shot dead in Tondo
A retired policeman and former close-in security escort of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno was gunned down by two men aboard a motorcycle in Tondo early Sunday morning.
A security escort of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno was shot dead by two motorcycle-riding gunmen in Tondo early Sunday morning, March 15, 2026. The victim was identified as George Capistrano, 56, a retired police officer who had recently reached mandatory retirement age and was serving as part of the mayor's security detail. He was a long-time member of the Manila Police District, previously assigned to the Soler, Quiapo area.
The shooting occurred around midnight at the corner of Salonga and Buendia streets in Barangay 134, Tondo, outside Capistrano's home. His wife, Andrea Capistrano, was inside their house when she heard two gunshots and rushed outside to find her husband already wounded on the street. According to police, two suspects riding a black Yamaha NMAX motorcycle conducted the attack using a "riding-in-tandem" shooting method.
The back rider wore red shoes, a white T-shirt, and a blue helmet, while the driver wore a white helmet and brown jacket. CCTV footage showed that after Capistrano collapsed, the suspects forcibly removed his jewelryâincluding a thick gold necklace and braceletâwhile dragging his body before fleeing toward H. Lopez Boulevard. Capistrano was immediately rushed to Tondo Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival due to the severity of his gunshot wounds.
The Manila Police District has launched a manhunt and is reviewing additional CCTV footage to identify and track down the suspects. Authorities are conducting an investigation to determine the motive behind the killing. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of public officials and their security personnel in Manila.
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