2 men on bike shoot drug dependent dead

CEBU, Philippines - A 22-year-old man was shot dead by two men riding in tandem on a motorcycle in Barangay Capitol Site yesterday dawn.

Kevin Anore died on the spot due to gunshot wounds in different parts of his body.

Anore, a resident of Villalon Drive, Sitio Upper Ponce of the same barangay, was walking in the area around 3 a.m. yesterday with an unidentified companion when two men on a black motorcycle stopped in front of them.

The two men then shot Anore several times until he slumped to the ground lifeless as the victim's companion scampered away for safety.

The assailants, whose identity remain unknown, fled towards Barangay Kalunasan. They reportedly even fired two shots into the air upon passing by the barangay hall in Capitol Site.

Police rushed to the scene but were no longer able to locate the assailants.

Five empty shells of a .45 cal. pistol and two deformed slugs were recovered from the crime scene and two other empty shells were found near the barangay hall.

SPO3 Rey Cuyos, Homicide Section team leader, said they are still trying to determine the motive behind the attack, but initial investigation led them to believe it was linked to the victim's illegal drug use.

In an interview with policemen at the crime scene, Cu-yos said the victim's father alleged that his son used drugs and had not come home for three weeks.

"Mugamitay daw og drugas iyang anak. Tulo ka-semana na wala'y uliay, adto ra siguro ni sa mga amigo nagpuy-anan," said Cuyos.

Police are conducting intensified checkpoints and police visibility to prevent the rise of shooting incidents involving suspects riding in tandem.

However, Cebu City Police Office Mariano Natu-el said shooting incidents, particularly those motivated by personal grudges, are unpredictable especially if the culprits are provided with opportunity, instrument or motive.  — (FREEMAN)