‘Mistaken identity’ eyed in Kim Chiu shooting

MANILA, Philippines — Investigators are looking into the “mistaken identity” angle in the shooting of actress Kim Chiu’s van in Quezon City on Wednesday, an official said yesterday.

“All possible angles will be looked into to establish the motive behind the strafing including that of case of ‘mistaken identity,” Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director, said in a statement.

The Special Investigation Task Group is gathering eyewitness testimony and surveillance footage of the incident.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said the PNP will set up “lightning” checkpoints to deter motorcycle-riding criminals.

He said they will also inspect motorcycles, particularly those without license plates.

Initial investigation showed that two men on a motorcycle waited outside the La Vista subdivision and tailed her van when it passed through the subdivision’s gates.

The actress was on her way to the taping of her ABS-CBN series “Love Thy Woman” when she was attacked. Chiu, personal assistant Mayrin Nasara and driver Wilfredo Taperla were unhurt.

Maj. Elmer Monsalve, head of the QCPD’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit, said there were no other vehicles when the assailants followed Chiu’s Hyundai 350 van.

The assailants opened fire at Chiu’s vehicle along Katipunan Avenue in Barangay UP Campus at around 6 a.m.

Eight spent bullet casings were recovered at the crime scene.

Monsalve said they have yet to establish the motive for the shooting.