Couple gunned down in Negros Occidental

MANILA, Philippines—Authorities are looking into the death of a married couple who were gunned down Monday at their store in Negros Occidental, police said Wednesday.

Spouses Ronilo and Amelita Pacheco, 44, and 45, respectively, were attacked by an unknown assailant while the couple were outside their stall in Sitio (sub-village) Qubay, Barangay (village) Bato, Sagay City, Negros Occidental around 8 p.m. last Monday, case investigator Police Officer 2 Jingle de la Paz said.

After they were shot, the already wounded victims tried to escape and rushed inside the stall, but were followed by the assailant and were shot repeatedly in different parts of the body.

De la Paz said the Pachecos were rushed to Alfredo Maranon Memorial District Hospital, but were declared dead on arrival, while the suspect fled towards Purok Mabinuligon in Barangay Bato.

Recovered from the crime scene were seven empty cartridges of 9 mm, one deformed slug, one unit of Nokia cell phone.

“Motive as of this time cannot be determined,” he said.

Police and military have launched hot pursuit operations against the suspect. Jamie Marie Elona