Lawyer shot dead in Bukidnon

BUKIDNON, Philippines - Suspected hired killers on Tuesday shot dead a lawyer while on his way to a court in Malaybalay City for a case hearing, police said.

The victim, Pepito Suello, died from multiple gunshot wounds he sustained in the attack.

Suello was driving his car en route to a court in a busy area in Malaybalay City west of Bukidnon province when gunmen flagged him down and opened fire.

Superintendent Henry Dampal, chief of the Malaybalay City police, said probers are yet to identify the culprits and the real motive for the attack.

Investigators are convinced the murder of Suello could be profession-related.

Dampal said probers have confirmed that the victim had received death threats prior to the incident.