The Manila Police District (MPD) is still looking for possible motives in the killing of a senior Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) official in ambush in Malate, Manila on Monday afternoon.

In a statement, MPD Director P/B.Gen. Bernabe Balba said that while they continue the investigation, they are still collecting information from possible witnesses to swiftly resolve the death of the Labor official identified as Helen Dacanay assigned at DoLE Manila head office.

Balba added that investigators are now gathering information at the crime scene through the CCTV of the immediate vicinity and establishments near the actual place of shooting.

Initial reports noted that Dacanay just left her office aboard a black colored Honda vehicle with plate number ACA-7338 and while passing at the stretch of Malvar, two unidentified men riding on a motorcycle fired at the victim’s car.

Dacanay was rushed at the Ospital ng Maynila, but was declared dead-on-arrival.

Her companion — identified as Atty. Agata Ann Daquigan, a labor arbiter of DoLE main office — was fortunately safe from the barrage of gunfire.

Balba said that they have recovered 14 empty shells in the scene of crime which indicates that they suspects are dead serious in killing their target.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, on the other hand, condemned the ambush.

“I condemn in the strongest terms the dastardly killing of Labor officer Ellen Dacanay assigned at the Manila field office of the Department. It is disturbing that a civilian official was murdered in a cowardly manner akin to executions by hired guns,” Bello said in a statement.

He also appealed to police to “act immediately to apprehend the perpetrators of the crime” as he vowed to extend assistance to Dacanay’s family.

“I join the officialdom of the Labor department in condoling with her family on their tragic loss. We will extend all necessary assistance to the family to serve the ends of justice,” Bello said.