QCPD raps suspect in Wilmer’s death

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) announced Saturday that a murder complaint was filed against one Abo Kabalo Sampillo for the fatal shooting of Wilmer Caponpon Zara on 14 March.

According to Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) chief P/Maj. Don Don Llapitan, Sampillo was stopped by MMDA enforcers for a traffic violation but fled. Zara chased him on a motorcycle and was shot during the pursuit.

Forensic tests confirmed cartridge cases from both incidents matched, proving the same gun was used. Police recovered two 9mm Luger cartridge cases from the crime scene.

Peanut vendor Dylan Manchera Allapitan reported the incident to nearby police, who rushed Zara to a hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

CCTV footage showed Sampillo on a black Honda Click, pursued by MMDA enforcers and then by Zara. He later stole Zara’s motorcycle, counterflowed on Soliven Street, and shot him in the head near Bingo Fortune.

Another CCTV clip showed Sampillo near Xentro Mall before escaping on a motorcycle. A witness also linked him to a 2021 shooting in Novaliches.

Forensic tests confirmed cartridge cases from both incidents matched, proving the same gun was used. Police recovered two 9mm Luger cartridge cases from the crime scene.