3 alleged hired killers slain over spat

MANILA, Philippines - A spat between alleged members of a group of contract killers resulted in a shooting in Malabon City Friday night that left three people dead and one wounded.

Investigators at the Malabon City police’s Station Investigation Division said the incident may have been caused by a disagreement among members of an alleged gang believed to be behind several incidents of murder, robbery, and other similar crimes in the city.

Senior Police Officer 1 Redentor Mantala said victims Ronillo Malinao, 30; Elmer Tulipas, 41; and Melvin Luciano, 37, died on the spot after sustaining gunshot wounds in the head.

Ronald Pinos, 28, is undergoing medical treatment at the Tondo Medical Center after sustaining gunshot wounds in different parts of his body, said Mantala.

Investigators found that the victims were having a drinking spree in Barangay Hulong Duhat when four men, led by a certain Emon, arrived shortly before midnight and shot at the victims.

Mantala said Emon first shot Luciano and took the victim’s .38 caliber revolver. The suspect’s companions, meanwhile, shot Tulipas. The suspects then used Tulipas’ revolver in shooting the other victims, he added.

The victims faced various charges before the Malabon City regional trial court. Malinao was charged with illegal possession of firearms, Luciano with theft, and Tulipas with frustrated murder, said Mantala.

Recovered from the crime scene were several used cartridges as well as a .45 caliber pistol with nine bullets from Tulipas’ person.

Police have yet to determine the cause of the argument among those involved in the shooting.