8 killed in illegal drug-related attack in Iligan

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) - Eight people were killed in an attack linked to illegal drugs activities in a southern Philippine city early today, authorities said.

Four balaclava-clad gunmen stormed a house in a community in Saray village, Iligan City in Mindanao's Lanao del Norte before daybreak and started shooting, said Gervacio Balmaceda Jr., deputy police chief of the city.

Balmaceda said the male victims were killed at the scene, suffering gunshot wounds to the head and body.

Authorities suspected the killings may have been triggered by a drug deal that went awry and that investigations were now being conducted, Balmaceda said.

Gangland-style killings, mostly carried out by motorcycle- riding assailants are common in many parts of the Philippines where illegal drug dealings and other criminal activities are rampant.