MANILA, Philippines — Four persons, including a police officer, were gunned down by unidentified assailants in Samar, Kalinga, Sultan Kudarat and Rizal in the past two days.
S/Sgt. Kirk Walter Lorenzo was sleeping at his house in Barangay Muñoz, Catbalogan, Samar when a lone gunman entered and shot him at around 3 a.m. yesterday, Lt. Col. Maria Bella Rentuaya, Eastern Visayas police spokesperson, said.
Witnesses said a man followed Lorenzo from the Samar State University, where the police officer attended a school event.
Mechanic Gilbert Asuncion Mateo, 30, was at his shop in Purok Namnama, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat when motorcycle riders arrived and opened fire on Wednesday. He died on the way to a hospital.
Mateo’s companion Mark Anthony Pia, 19, was wounded.
Police said businessman Roger Bumatay 46, in Barangay Lanna, Tabuk City, Kalinga and tricycle driver Derwin Macaraeg, 34, in Barangay San Juan, Taytay, Rizal were also killed in gun attacks on Wednesday.
Investigations into the killings are underway. – Raymund Catindig, Non Alquitran, Ramil Bajo