Trader shot dead; cops eye land dispute

MANILA, Philippines - A 28-year-old trader was shot dead in Mandaluyong City Friday night in what police said could be linked to a land dispute.

Gerald Reanalis was about to enter his home on Ilaya street in Barangay Barangka when Chrisnel de Guzman and Boy Reyes reportedly attacked him at past 9 p.m., city police chief Senior Superintendent Florendo Quibuyen said.

The suspects reportedly shot him in the chest first, then in the head when he fell to the ground. Quibuyen said two other suspects – alleged lookouts Catherine Reyes and Willy Reyes – were later seen on a surveillance video fleeing with the alleged gunmen.

Quibuyen said the suspects, who have been charged with murder, are related to the Reanalis and the victim’s widow identified them from the video.

The victim had earlier won a land dispute case against the suspects and displayed a banner on his house taunting the suspects for losing the case.

“That could have pushed the suspects to kill him,” Quibuyen said.