MANILA, Philippines – Actress Kim Chiu assured she is safe, but admittedly shaken, after unidentified gunmen fired at her van in Quezon City Wednesday.
On her Instagram page, Chui said she and her companions were not hurt after two motorcycle riding assailants shot at her van at least seven times at the corner of Katipunan and CP Garcia Avenues in Diliman around 6 a.m.
“Yes, I am safe po. I’m okay and my P.A. (personal assistant) and my driver as well. Papa Jesus protected us,” she said.
A police report based on the account of Chiu’s driver, Wilfredo Taperla said he heard gunshots when he temporarily stopped the vehicle at a corner of CP Garcia Avenue. He added that he saw two gunmen aboard a motorcycle but he was not aware that they were the ones being shot at.
MMDA traffic law enforcer Johnson Pangilinan, who witnessed the attack, described how the helmet-wearing gunmen fired at the actress’ vehicle before fleeing towards the direction of Barangay Old Balara in Quezon City.
“Pagka-hinto ng sasakyan ni Kim Chiu, gumilid, nagpaputok ng limang beses. Tapos, pagkapaputok ng limang beses, arangkada, hinto, paputok ulit ng tatlong beses,” he said.
Chiu’s assistant, Mayrin Nasara, said she was also shocked when she saw one of their vehicle’s side mirror shattered during the incident.
“Kasi pagtingin ko kay kuya (Taperla) sa salamin na bandang side niya, nabasag na y’ong salamin. Nagulat ako talaga. Tapos si Ate (Chui) naman, tinanong niya sa akin, ‘Ano ba ang nangyari?’” she said.
The 29-year old actress said she was on her way to a taping when she decided to take a nap instead of reading a script. She said she was awakened by the sounds of eight gunshots.
One bullet pierced the side window of the van where her head was laying but did not hit her.
The actress believes the incident is a case of mistaken identity as she has no idea on the possible motive behind the attack.
“I don’t have an idea what really happened, mistaken identity? I guess?? Napag-tripan? This is a bad joke,” she said.
“I was so scared. I don’t know what to feel right now. Wala naman akong kaaway or ka atraso. Why me?” she added.
“Kung sino man ang gumawa nito Diyos na ang bahala sa inyo[ng] dalawa at the end of the day iniisip ko na lang walang nasaktan sa amin. God protected us.”
She also thanked all those who are calling and texting to check up on her after the incident.
Authorities said the investigation into the attack is underway. – RRD (with details from Correspondent Asher Cadapan Jr.)
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