5 shot dead in Makati-Pasay bridge

MANILA, Philippines – Five men were shot dead early Wednesday by three still unidentified gunmen as they were walking across the bridge connecting the cities of Makati and Pasay.

Southern Police District director Jose Erwin Villacorte identified those killed as Chuckie Dy Cruz, 22; Francisco Cruz, 20; Raymart Saraza, 20; Andrew Lloyd Cruz, 23; and Rogelio Diala, 23; all residents of Magtibay Street, Pasay City.

According to initial investigation, the victims were walking on the Arnaiz Cementina Dolores Bridge at about 2:30 a.m. from a drinking spree when the gunmen appeared and opened fire.

Police said the gunmen rode on two motorcycles and were all wearing full-face helmets. Police added that the gunmen – one riding solo and the other two riding tandem – first cornered the victims before opening fire.

The victims were all dead on arrival at the Pasay City General Hospital, police said. Police added that the victims are related.

Recovered at the scene were 18 spent shells from a caliber .40 pistol.

Police said the gunmen, after the shooting, fled towards Arnaiz Avenue in Pasay City.

The SPD said the motive for the shooting is still being determined as tracker teams have been sent to hunt down the gunmen.