2 hurt in Quezon City shooting

MANILA, Philippines - Two men were hospitalized after they were shot by at least nine attackers in Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City before dawn yesterday.

Arnel Laze, 29, and Ildefonso Ignacio, 36, were drinking with friends at the corner of IBP Road and Omega street when nine attackers shot them, Police Officer 3 Benjie Butac of the Quezon City Police District Station 6 said.

Butac said three of the attackers were identified by their aliases as Bunso, Pidot, and Ronnie. The gunmen fled on foot following the shooting.

Laze suffered gunshot wounds in his knee and genitals while Ignacio sustained wounds in his hand and back. They are currently confined at the East Avenue Medical Center.

Investigators are eyeing a gang war as a possible motive for the attack, but are also considering other angles. Butac said neighbors and bystanders who witnessed the shooting were hesitant to give a full description of the attackers.