House Speaker Martin Romualdez called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for a swift investigation into the murder of the House Committee on Ways and Means' Chief of Technical Staff.
“I am deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic death of Director Mauricio “Morrie” Pulhin, Chief of Technical Staff of the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives,” the House Speaker said in a statement on Monday, June 16.
Over the weekend, Pulhin was shot during his daughter’s birthday celebration in Quezon City. The Quezon City Police District’s (QCPD) initial investigation revealed that two unidentified suspects entered the venue at around 2:55 PM and shot the victim at close range.
The suspects also fired at the subdivision’s security guard as they fled on a motorcycle.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was created to focus on identifying and arresting the suspects, the QCPD said. Additionally, witnesses are being interviewed, with all leads actively being pursued.
This is aligned with Romualdez’s directive to all law enforcement agencies to conduct a “thorough, impartial, and swift investigation” into the tragic incident.
“All angles must be pursued—including, but not limited to, his professional affiliations—so that the truth may come out and justice may be served,” Romualdez stressed.
The 63-year-old victim was immediately rushed to the FEU-NRMF Hospital, but was later declared dead by the attending physician.
“Director Pulhin was a long-serving and dedicated public servant. His professionalism, integrity, and quiet commitment to his work earned him the respect of his peers and superiors alike. We condemn this brutal act of violence in the strongest possible terms,” Romualdez stated.
“To Director Pulhin’s family: We offer our deepest condolences. We stand with you in this time of unimaginable pain. And we will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible—whether gunmen or masterminds—are identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the House Speaker added.
Meanwhile, Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda also released a statement, condemning the heinous act.
“Director Pulhin’s murder was shocking in its brazenness; he was shot in front of his family, in his gated neighborhood. This heinous act must be condemned and its perpetrators brought to justice at once,” Salceda wrote.
He concluded his statement, sending his deepest condolences to the late Director Pulhin’s loved ones.
“This crime must not go unanswered. Justice must prevail,” Romualdez said.
