MALACAÑANG ordered on Sunday, January 20, the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct an in-depth investigation on the killing of former Cebu City assistant prosecutor Mary Ann Castro.

"We are outraged by the brutal and brazen ambush of former Cebu City assistant prosecutor Mary Ann Castro," Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

He said they also tapped the Department of Justice to take part in the investigation.

“The Department of Justice, through the National Bureau of Investigation, has been directed to immediately look into this dastardly crime, identify the perpetrators and bring them to the bar of justice,” said Panelo.

“The Philippine National Police has likewise been directed to check into possible lapses, if any, considering the incident happened during an election gun ban,” he added.

Panelo assured the family of Castro that they will attain justice.

Castro, 50, was gunned down by still unidentified perpetrators on Friday evening, January 18, while on board her vehicle along Escario Street, Barangay Kamputhaw in Cebu City. (SunStar Philippines)