The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) through Station 5 is still conducting further investigation on the attempt to kill Councilor Ricardo “Cano” Tan and his wife, Anita Friday afternoon.
The couple was on their way home from the family-owned Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay at about 5:40 p.m. when unidentified assailants fired on their cruising Nissan Patrol vehicle.
The presence of mind of Tan, who was driving their car, subsequently saved their lives.
Chief Insp. Sherlock Gabana, BCPO public information officer, said that both Tan and his wife are now safe.
They only sustained abrasions. They were treated at the Dr. Pablo O. Torre Memorial Hospital.
“Thorough investigation is still being conducted to determine the motive and to identify the suspects,” Gabana said.
Scene of the crime investigators led by Chief Insp. West Codilla recovered 24 bullet shells of caliber 5.56 rifle and seven others for caliber .45 pistol.
Bullet holes were found on the windshield, driver’s side, and the rear of the vehicle.
The assailants ambushed the couple while their vehicle was cruising along Purok Tagaytay, Gabana said.
Reports said Tan continued driving until they reached Police Station 5 in neighboring Barangay Granada where they sought police assistance before proceeding to the hospital.
Reports said the couple played dead which also helped in saving their lives from possible follow up shots from ambushers.
Contrary to earlier reports the vehicle of the Tan couple is not bullet proof.
Initial report also said the ambushers on board two vehicles fled towards Barangay Concepcion in Talisay City.
Tan, who has other businesses other than Campuestohan resort, withdrew his plan to run for mayor of Bacolod in the 2019 election.
He was number one councilor during the 2016 polls.* (NDB)