Couple shot dead

CEBU, Philippines - A couple was shot to death by two unidentified assailants inside their house in Sitio Cabangcalan, Barangay Cogon, Naga City at past 7 p.m. last Saturday.

Eduardo Prandas, 60, and his live-in partner, Merlita Panlaan, 54, succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of their bodies.

Naga City police chief Supt. Eduardo Saavedra said the assailants entered the house through the back door. Panlaan was watching TV in the living room while Prandas was sleeping when the suspects shot them.

Panlaan suffered gunshot wounds in her left jaw and neck while Prandas had three gunshot wounds in the head.

Both died on the spot.

The couple’s children ages 15 and 10 reportedly saw what happened. They described the assailants as wearing helmets and jackets. The children will be taken to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for stress debriefing.

Police recovered a deformed slug, which reportedly came from a .45 pistol from the crime scene.

Police are eyeing land dispute as possible motive of the killing.

Cogon barangay captain Emie Talandaron said the barangay has records of a land dispute that involves Panlaan. The dispute started when some portions of the lot that Panlaan inherited from his parents and where her house now stands were sold. However, Panlaan was reportedly claiming back the portions of land.

Saavedra said the investigation will also focus on determining the identity of the suspects.  (FREEMAN)