Couples tagged in illegal drugs slain

MANILA, Philippines — Two couples suspected of involvement in illegal drugs were killed by unidentified men in Capiz and Laguna in the past two days.

Lt. Rey Gimeno, police chief of Sigma town in Capiz, said Rodrigo Nepomoceno and his partner Rondalia Sarona had just opened their store in Barangay Mianay at around 7 a.m. yesterday when they were shot.

The couple were arrested in a drug sting several years ago. Police in neighboring towns claimed the couple had continued with their illegal activities.

In Laguna, Jose Garry Domingo, an employee of the Biñan Traffic Force unit, and his wife Loida were in their living room when armed men entered and shot them at around 9 p.m.

The gunmen also snatched the son of the couple.

Probers are eyeing rivalry among drug dealers as the motive for the killing.