Vigilante-style slays are back

DIGOS CITY—Three men were killed by motorcycle-riding suspects in separate attacks in Davao del Sur this week, similar to ones attributed to vigilantes in the past.

Based on reports reaching the Davao del Sur police headquarters here, the latest attack took place in Magsaysay town on Wednesday.

Santiago Barbona Jr., a 62-year old widower, was on his way home after attending a fiesta when shot dead by one of two men riding in tandem on a motorcycle.

Police said the suspects tailed the victim from Barangay San Isidro, and shot him in Purok Magsasaka in the village around 2 p.m.

Chief Insp. Robert Caraoa, Magsaysay police chief, said the gunmen used a .45 caliber pistol.

On Monday, 24 year-old Jobert Palma was shot to death in Digos City by motorcycle-riding men.

On Tuesday night, Faisal Lutian, 33, a toy vendor, was also shot dead by motorcycle-riding men in Malita town.

Senior Supt. Ronald dela Rosa, Davao del Sur police chief, said the police are still investigating the attacks, particularly the angle that the victims were involved in illegal drugs, and were slain by hit men contracted by a rival syndicate.

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