Suspects in the ambush of San Pablo, Isabela SB candidate and 2 arrested

San Pablo, Isabela - The two suspects involved in the shooting of three men, including a politician, in San Pablo, Isabela, were quickly arrested in a quick police operation. 

According to Police Regional Office 2 (PRO 2), the incident happened around 9:40 p.m. on April 25, 2025, in Barangay Bungad, San Pablo. The victims were on board a pickup truck when the gunmen on board a Toyota Hilux suddenly shot at them. 

The victims were identified as Mark John Paul, 34, a Sangguniang Bayan (municipal councilor) candidate; Mark Francis Antonio, 25; and John Lloyd Duran, 21. They were residents of Barangay Poblacion in said town. 

The three suffered gunshot wounds to various parts of their bodies due to the attack. Notified of the incident, the responding authorities rushed them to the Milagros Albano District Hospital in Cabagan for medical treatment, and they were later transferred to a hospital in Tuguegarao City. 

Fortunately, they survived the ambush and are currently recuperating at the hospital.

In response to the incident, the Isabela police immediately set up checkpoints and launched a hot pursuit operation for the arrest of the assailants. At around 11:00 pm the same day, the suspects were caught in Barangay Poblacion.

Police recovered a .45 caliber pistol loaded with bullets, extra ammunition, and the white Toyota Hi-Lux used by the suspects in the crime. The identities of the suspects were not disclosed by the police.

At present,  the investigators are still working to find out the motive behind the crime. 

PRO 2 Regional Director PBGEN Antonio Marallag Jr., in a statement, strongly condemned the crime and assured that the agency is doing everything to hold the suspects accountable and ensure a peaceful election. 

Marallag also encouraged the public to stay calm, remain alert, and report any helpful information to the nearest police station. 

“Hindi kailanman magiging katanggap-tanggap ang anumang uri ng karahasan, lalo na kung ito’y naglalayong guluhin ang katahimikan ng ating mga pamayanan, higit pa ngayong panahon ng halalan. Ipinapakita ng mabilis na pagkakadakip sa mga suspek ang aming determinasyon na protektahan ang karapatan at kaligtasan ng bawat mamamayan. Patuloy naming paiigtingin ang seguridad upang matiyak ang maayos, mapayapa, at makatarungang halalan sa buong Rehiyon 2,” the official said, as quoted by the PRO 2 in a News Brief.