2 men slain in Makati; drug link eyed

MANILA, Philippines - Two men were shot dead in Barangay Rizal, Makati City before dawn yesterday, with investigators saying the attack could be related to illegal drugs.

Melvin Toredes, 33, of Barangay Olympia, Makati; and Nicko Presno, of Barangay Rizal were on a motorcycle along Aguinaldo street when they were shot at around 4 a.m., Southern Police District director Chief Superintendent Benito Estipona said.

Investigators said the victims were shot repeatedly with .45 caliber pistols, based on shells recovered at the crime scene. They said they have identified the attackers as men known as “Revo” and “Torre.”

According to the Makati police, background checks revealed that Toredes was an ex-convict, with a murder case filed in 2003, while Presno was linked to a string of petty crimes and faced drug charges.