1 killed, 3 hurt in Zamboanga Sur shooting

MANILA, Philippines—Police have launched a manhunt for two men who shot and killed a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) driver and wounded three other people in Zamboanga del Sur Sunday afternoon.

Police said Monday the gun attack carried out by two motorcycle-riding men took place in Purok 4 in Barangay (village) Naavalan in Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur around 3:30 p.m.

Three habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) drivers and a businesswoman who owns a vulcanizing shop were hit. They were identified as drivers Ruben and Roel Casuyac, 48, and 37, respectively; Arnold Osores, 38, and Cristine Lemosnero, 32.

Initial investigation disclosed that Osores and Lemosnero were sitting at the vulcanizing shop owned by the latter when the gunmen on a black Honda Wave motorcycle came and shot Osores and Lemosnero.

One of the attackers was described to be wearing a mask and a black jacket, while the back rider was said to be wearing a white T-shirt and brown short pants. Both were about 30 to 35 years old.

After shooting the first two victims, police said the suspects then shot Ruben who was standing beside the shop. In an attempt to escape, Ruben ran towards his house, but was later located by the gunmen who finished him off.

The suspects also shot Roel who was then parking his motorcycle at the side of the road.

Police said Osores sustained gunshot wounds to the left portion of the chest that exited to the right side of the body, while victim Lemosnero sustained gunshot wound to the left breast, the bullet piercing her internal organs.

Roel sustained gunshot wounds to the back of the left thigh, while lone fatality Ruben Casuyac sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head, back, right arm and right thigh.

Police said the killers immediately fled towards Monte Alegre in Aurora, adding that seven spent shells from a caliber .45 pistol were recovered from the crime scene.

Manhunt operations have been launched against the killers.