Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday welcomed the arrest of two suspects in the cold-blooded killing of Director Mauricio “Morie” Pulhin, calling it a critical step in the pursuit of justice and warning that those still at large will be hunted down.
Pulhin, 63, chief of technical staff at the House Committee on Ways and Means, was shot dead on June 15 during his seven-year-old daughter’s birthday celebration in Quezon City. The brazen daylight killing shocked the congressional community.
“This is a promising development in our search for justice,” Romualdez said, as he commended the police force led by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III for moving quickly to identify and arrest two of the suspects.
“But this fight is far from over. We will not rest until every person involved—whether gunman, accomplice or mastermind—is held to account,” Romualdez added.
The leader of the 306-member House of Representatives also issued a stark warning to the remaining suspects.
“The long arm of the law is closing in. There is no safe haven. You will be found, and you will face the consequences of this horrific crime,” he said.
The two suspects, identified as a middleman and a lookout, were arrested in separate operations in Caloocan and Quezon City. They are now in custody and face murder charges.
According to police, the suspects were allegedly hired by a couple who once worked for Pulhin and who reportedly held a personal grudge against him.
The middleman, known only by the alias “Balong,” confessed that the victim had planned to file qualified theft and estafa charges against the alleged masterminds.
Police said the suspects sought someone to kill Pulhin and had not yet paid the hired men.
“This was not only a heinous crime but a betrayal of decency. Morie was a respected public servant and a devoted family man. He deserved none of this. We will not rest until justice is fully served,” Romualdez said.
Pulhin was shot at close range by two assailants who entered a private venue and escaped on a motorcycle. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead soon after.
Romualdez, who had earlier expressed grief and outrage over the killing, said the House will continue to assist Pulhin’s family and support the ongoing investigation.
He also urged the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and other law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to capture the four remaining suspects.
“To those still in hiding, the law will find you. This is not just about one man’s murder. It is about protecting every public servant who works with integrity and who deserves to live without fear,” the Speaker said.
Romualdez assured Pulhin’s family that justice would be served.
“We owe it to Morie. We owe it to the institution. And we owe it to the people we serve,” Romualdez said.
