Man in drug watch list dead, girlfriend hurt in Batangas shooting

SAN PEDRO CITY — A man, who police said was involved in illegal drug pushing in Batangas City, was killed while his girlfriend was wounded in a shooting incident early Sunday.

The victim was identified as Christian Daza, 32, who was included in the police watch list, according to Batangas City police chief Supt. Sancho Celedio.

In a phone interview, Celedio said Daza and his girlfriend, Rose Ann Pilapilan, 24, were on a motorcycle when shot at by a lone gunman around 3 a.m. in Barangay (village) Sta. Clara. The gunman escaped on foot.

Both victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were brought to a hospital in the city. Daza was declared dead on arrival.

Celedio said the case is still under investigation with Pilapilan still undergoing treatment. He said before partnering with Daza, Pilapilan was involved with another drug suspect in Batangas.

“It seems they belonged to just one circle (in the illegal drug trade),” he said. /je