Employee killed, another hurt in Lipa City shooting

BATANGAS CITY, Philippines—-An employee of the Lipa City government was killed and a co-worker wounded when unidentified gunmen fired at them as they were travelling on the national road in Barangay Maraouy in Lipa City shortly before midnight Thursday, police said Friday.

Superintendent Christopher Birung, Lipa City police chief, said  Nazario Matias, 37, and Orlando Quizon, 49, both security officers of the city-run Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Lipa and members of the City Public Order and Safety Council were on board their respective motorcycles when gunned down at around 11:16 p.m.

“The victims were bound to Lipa City town proper when shot from behind by the unidentified gunmen,” said Birung.

He said Matias, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds in his body, died on the spot. Quizon sustained a single bullet wound on the right hip.

The gunmen sped off on a motorcycle, said Birung.

He said the police recovered seven .45-caliber shells from the crime scene.

Police were still ascertaining the motive for the attack.