Family and friends of shooting victim in Alabang call for justice

“Bakit?”

This was the prevailing question surrounding the shooting and death of a government-worker last Tuesday by Alabang-Zapote Road.

Joseph Rocafort, according to friends and officemates, was your typical 30-year-old.

He was a DSWD employee who was excited about the impending Holy Week break.

But all his hopes and dreams will now only remain hopes and dreams as an unidentified gunman shot Joseph inside a public utility jeepney last Tuesday for “apparently no reason at all.”

His officemates and friends did not know of any enemies and wrongdoings that Joseph was involved in.

He was generally described as “a nice guy.”

He was allegedly shot three times in his chest at the Alabang-Zapote stoplight right by Toyota Alabang in Westgate, Filinvest.

A fourth shot supposedly aimed to his head was averted as the gun jammed, said witnesses.

He was declared dead on arrival at Asian Hospital.

“The gunman just walked away,” said witnesses who requested for anonymity.

His remains was brought to Tiaong, Quezon, his hometown last Wednesday.

He leaves a wife and a nine-year-old daughter.

Family and friends are asking everyone to offer prayers for the repose of his soul and more importantly for any other witnesses to help them identify the suspect.

We have contacted Muntinlupa Police for updates but they have yet to get back to us.

The suspect was 6-feet tall and was wearing a black leather jacket and a cap, according to some witnesses who couldn’t describe the suspect properly because of shock.

None of Joseph’s things and the other passengers’ were also taken by the gunman so the motive of robbery is not being explored.

Was this a case of mistaken identity? Was Joseph involved in something his friends and family did not know about? Was he picked on by a random shooter?

For now, we can only assume.

Hopefully, the gunman was captured in one of the CCTVs from Alabang Town Center (where Joseph rode the jeep) and Toyota Alabang were able to capture an image of the suspect.

For any leads, please contact Muntinlupa Police at 0908-3770084.

Stay safe, everyone.