Actress Kim Chiu safe as 2 men open fire on van at stop sign

KIM CHIU’S VAN SHOT. Mirrors at the right side of the van of actress Kim Chiu contain holes from bullets after it was shot by two unidentified gunmen along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City on Wednesday (March 4, 2020). Chiu, her assistant and driver Wilfred Taperla, who were inside the van when the shooting incident happened, were unharmed. (Photo courtesy of QCPD via PNA)

MANILA – Two unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen fired at the van of television and movie actress Kim Chiu along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City on Wednesday.

In a report from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), Chiu, her assistant, and driver Wilfred Taperla were on board the van when the shooting incident happened in front of the UP Town Center around 6:15 a.m.

Taperla said they were waiting for the green light before turning left to C.P. Garcia Avenue from Katipunan when two men onboard a motorcycle approached the right side of the vehicle and started shooting them.

He said the actress was sleeping but was awakened by the shooting. No one was hurt in the incident.

Taperla said the suspects were both wearing a black helmet and jacket.

“Hindi ko sila namukhaan pero ‘yung nasa likod (backrider) na bumabaril malaki ang katawan, malaking tao (I wasn’t able to recognize them but the backrider who fired at us was well-built),” he said in a radio interview.

The suspects fled towards Katipunan Avenue going to Old Balara.

Taperla said Chiu still proceeded to the taping of a show after the incident.

In an Instagram post, Chiu said she was shocked and don’t have any idea what really happened, believing the shooting incident was a case of mistaken identity.

“A lot of you have been texting and calling. Can’t answer right now. Thank you for checking on me. Means a lot. Yes I am safe po. I’m ok and my P.A. (production assistant) and my driver as well. I don’t have an idea what really happened, mistaken identity? I guess?? Napag tripan? Wala naman akong kaaway or ka atraso (Somebody just did it out of ‘tripping’? I don’t have any enemies or I don’t have any atrocities to anyone),” she said in her post.

Chiu said she was surprised to see the eight bullet shells beside her head when she was awakened by the incident.

“I was so scared. I don’t know what to feel right now. Kung sino man ang gumawa nito, Diyos na ang bahala sa inyong dalawa (Whoever did this, I’ll just leave the two of you to God,” she stressed.