By: Ched Gatchalian – ABS-CBN News
Manila, Philippines — Prominent government attorney Roberto Santiago is fighting for his life at Manila City Hospital after a shocking and well-coordinated assassination attempt outside his office in Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City. The brazen daylight attack, which saw the attorney gunned down at close range by unknown assailants, has sent shockwaves through Metro Manila’s legal and political spheres.
Authorities believe the attack may have been linked to one of Santiago’s high-profile cases, with speculation growing that it was a deal gone bad or an act of retaliation. The police have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident as they work tirelessly to track down the gunmen.
A Calculated Hit in a Bustling Business District
Witnesses describe a terrifying scene that unfolded at around 10:45 a.m., just as Santiago was exiting his office building on Ortigas Avenue. As he approached his vehicle, two masked gunmen on a motorcycle sped toward him and opened fire at close range, hitting him multiple times in the chest and abdomen. The attackers fled the scene immediately, weaving through morning traffic before disappearing into the crowded streets of Pasig City.
Nearby shop owners and pedestrians rushed to help the fallen attorney, who was bleeding profusely but still conscious as they hauled him into a private car and rushed him to Manila City Hospital.
Fighting for His Life at Manila City Hospital
At the hospital, Santiago was immediately taken into emergency surgery. Medical staff, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the attorney is in critical condition with severe internal bleeding.
“The bullets caused significant damage to his internal organs. He is currently in surgery, and the next 24 hours will be crucial to his survival,” said a nurse at Manila City Hospital’s emergency trauma unit.
The hospital has since been placed under tight security, with police officers stationed at every entrance to prevent any further threats to Santiago’s life.
Manila Police Launches Investigation, Calls It a “Targeted Assassination”
The Manila Police District (MPD) has wasted no time in launching an aggressive manhunt for the suspects. Speaking at a press conference, Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil, described the shooting as a targeted hit.
“This was not a random act of violence. The assailants knew their target, executed the attack with precision, and vanished before law enforcement could react. We are treating this as an assassination attempt and are following multiple leads.”
Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage from nearby establishments and analyzing Santiago’s recent case files for any potential suspects who may have wanted him silenced.
A Dangerous Profession: Santiago’s High-Profile Cases Under Scrutiny
Attorney Roberto Santiago was no ordinary lawyer. As one of the government’s top legal experts, he was instrumental in prosecuting some of the country’s most complex cases, including corruption trials, financial fraud cases, and tax evasion suits against high-profile businessmen.
One of his most publicized cases is his ongoing legal battle involving wealthy philanthropist Dylan Crentsworth, who has been embroiled in a tax evasion controversy for months.
Crentsworth, known for his charitable work and vast business empire, is still awaiting the resolution of his tax case, which could see him pay millions in fines. His legal team led by Santiago had been working closely with the government to clear the issue and negotiate a settlement. Now, with Santiago fighting for his life, the case has been thrown into uncertainty.
“Attorney Santiago was the key to handling Crentsworth’s legal battle. With his condition unknown, this case could face significant delays,” said a legal analyst following the case.
While there is no confirmed link between Santiago’s shooting and any of his cases, investigators are exploring all possible angles, including the possibility that he was targeted because of his legal work.
Fear and Outrage Grip the Legal Community
The assassination attempt has sparked widespread fear among Santiago’s colleagues, many of whom are calling for increased security for legal professionals handling sensitive cases.
Attorney Miguel Rosales, a longtime friend and colleague of Santiago, expressed deep concern over the attack:
“This is an attack on justice itself. If government attorneys are not safe, who will stand up for the law? We need protection for those working on high-profile cases before more lives are lost.”
Meanwhile, residents and business owners in Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City, where the attack took place, are demanding better security in the area.
Business owner Lourdes Tan, whose shop is located near the crime scene, said:
“It’s terrifying. This is a business district—we never thought something like this could happen here. The fact that gunmen could shoot a government lawyer in broad daylight and escape so easily makes us all feel unsafe.”
Government Promises Swift Justice
Following the attack, Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil has vowed that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
“The government condemns this cowardly act in the strongest terms. Attorney Santiago is a respected legal professional who has dedicated his life to upholding the law. We will not stop until those responsible for this attack are arrested and prosecuted.”
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. also released a statement, calling the incident a direct assault on the rule of law and ordering all intelligence and law enforcement agencies to prioritize the case.
“This act of violence against a government lawyer is an affront to our justice system. I have instructed law enforcement agencies to use all available resources to track down those responsible. Justice will be served.”
A Nation Watches and Waits
As Attorney Roberto Santiago remains in critical condition, the nation watches anxiously, waiting for updates on his health and for news of the manhunt for his attackers.
With questions mounting over who was behind the attempt on his life, speculation continues to swirl over whether it was a grudge, a silencing attempt, or a warning to others in the legal field.
For now, Metro Manila remains on edge, knowing that a high-profile lawyer was nearly assassinated in the heart of the city—and that the gunmen are still out there, roaming free.
ABS-CBN News will continue to provide real-time updates on Attorney Santiago’s condition, the police investigation, and any developments in this high-profile case.