Anindita Chatterjee
Updated on: October 16, 2024 11:28 pm GMT
In an alarming incident that has shaken the community of Mexico, Pampanga, a husband and wife were brutally murdered in broad daylight. Arvin Dayrit Lulu and Lerma Waje Lulu were shot dead by motorcyle-riding assailants while returning from a business meeting on October 4, 2023. The tragic event has left their families and local residents seeking answers and justice.
Details of the Incident
The couple was targeted while driving their black Hilux pick-up truck on Paroba Street in Barangay Santo Rosario at around 4:20 PM. According to police reports, they came under fire from two unidentified male gunmen. The attackers fled the scene shortly after the shooting, heading toward Jose Abad Santos.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, transporting the victims to the Mexico community hospital in Barangay San Carlos, where they were declared dead on arrival. Local authorities have launched a manhunt, issuing a flash alarm and conducting dragnet operations in neighboring municipalities.
Police Corporal Jonathan Roy Ilagan confirmed that the investigation is still active but did not provide further information regarding the case. He stated, “The instruction to me was to investigate first since [the case] is still ongoing. Apologies, but we cannot provide any more details.”
Eye-witness Accounts and Investigation
CCTV footage from the area revealed critical details about the incident. It showed the couple’s vehicle being followed closely by the motorcycle, before the suspects approached and opened fire. “We saw they’re already tailing the victims’ vehicle,” remarked P/Lt. Col. Pearl Joy Gollayan, the chief of the Mexico Municipal Police Station.
Remarkably, two passengers in the truck at the time—including the couple’s 6-year-old son and a cousin of Lerma—were unharmed during the attack.
Arvin Dayrit Lulu’s mother, Alicia Dayrit Lulu, revealed that her son and daughter-in-law were returning home after meeting a client. This has led police to consider business-related motivations for the shooting. “We are not dealing with a single motive; we are still looking at what the concrete motive is,” Gollayan added.
Community Response and Support
The shocking nature of the crime has prompted local residents and relatives of the victims to demand justice. Families of the deceased are indeed calling for the suspects to surrender. According to police, they have identified several persons of interest and are actively pursuing leads to apprehend the offenders.
In response to the community’s concerns and to incentivize information leading to arrests, Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo has announced a P100,000 reward for anyone who can help identify the gunmen.
The Aftermath
This tragic incident has left a deep impact on the community. Neighbors are expressing their grief and frustration, hoping for safety and justice. The couple was not just business partners; they were also parents and loved ones who contributed to their community.
Local authorities are conducting thorough investigations, including reviewing additional CCTV footage and questioning witnesses. The involvement of the Angeles Forensic Unit aims to gather more evidence to assist in solving the case.
Despite the horror of this event, the community’s solidarity is evident. Many residents are joining together, participating in discussions on how to enhance their safety and prevent such violent incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The tragic deaths of Arvin Dayrit Lulu and Lerma Waje Lulu raise questions about safety and the potential dangers faced by those conducting business in the area. As investigations continue, the community hopes for swift justice and increased security to ensure that such violence does not occur again. Authorities remain committed to uncovering the truth behind the attack and bringing the assailants to justice.
For the latest news about this case, keep an eye on local news and updates from the Pampanga police.
