Homeowners' group head, 3 others shot dead

MANILA, Philippines - Four men, including the president of a homeowners’ association, were killed by six attackers who shot the victims while they were drinking liquor in Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City Monday night.

Witnesses said the victims – Liberato Paez, 50; Rogelio Diomampo, 36; Rogelio Agustin, 49; and Germinio Manansala, 44, all residents of Batasan Hills – were drinking at the house of Zaldy Ballesteros when six men appeared at around 9:30 p.m., shot at them, and quickly fled.

The attackers used .45 caliber, .40 caliber and .9mm handguns, based on the spent shells recovered at the crime scene.

Paez was the president of the homeowners’ association of his neighborhood, Inspector Elmer Monsalve, chief of the homicide investigation section of the Quezon City Police District, said.

The four were rushed to Malvar General Hospital but were declared dead on arrival.

Monsalve said two other men were also hurt in the incident, including Ballesteros and taxi driver Armando Garcia, 47. Ballesteros was rushed also to Malvar General Hospital while Garcia was brought to the East Avenue Medical Center.

Monsalve said they are looking into the possibility that a land dispute could be the motive for the attack. He said while the area is a slum community, the city government will reblock the area and award lots to residents, who could be fighting among themselves over the properties.