Two traders shot dead in Lipa City

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – Two businessmen were shot dead by a lone assailant inside a passenger jeepney in Lipa City last Saturday.

Chief Superintendent Jesus Gatchalian, Calabarzon police director, identified the victims as Eduardo Abla, 63, and Rosendo Bathan, 56, both businessmen and residents of Barangay Calingatan, Lipa City.

The victims were declared dead on arrival at the Mary Mediatrix Hospital in Lipa.

Investigators said Abla and Bathan were among the passengers in the jeepney when an unidentified man blocked the vehicle at around 2:30 a.m. in Barangay Banay-Banay.

The gunman immediately shot the victims at close range in front of several passengers.

The assailant escaped on a motorcycle after the shooting.

Police said Abla and Bathan could have been killed over business rivalries.