Slay of 5 men in Makati linked to drugs – NCRPO

MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is eyeing illegal drugs as the motive behind the killing of five heavily tattooed men in Makati City early yesterday morning.

NCRPO chief Director Leonardo Espina ordered Southern Police District director Chief Superintendent Jose Erwin Villacorte to dig deeper into the slaying of Chuckie Dy Cruz, 22; Francisco Cruz, 20; Raymart Saraza, 20; Andrew Lloyd Cruz, 23; and Rogelio Diala, 23, all of Magtibay street in Pasay City.

Police said shortchanging on illegal drug trade could be the reason why the five victims were killed.

The victims were walking along Cementina Dolores bridge from a videoke bar when the suspects opened fire at them at around 2:30 a.m.

Police said the Cruz brothers are out on bail on charges of illegal drugs.

The gunmen, who were on two motorcycles and wearing helmets, sped off toward Libertad street in Pasay City.

Villacorte said the victims were declared dead on arrival at the Pasay City General Hospital.

Responding policemen recovered from the crime scene at least 18 spent shells from a .40 caliber pistol.

The Makati and Pasay City police are jointly investigating the incident. – With Mike Frialde