1 dead, 1 hurt in Navotas shooting

MANILA, Philippines - A man was killed while another was critically wounded when at least five armed men barged into a house in Navotas City past midnight yesterday.

Police said the gunmen broke into the house of Benjamin Soriano in Area 1, Barangay NBBS at around 12:45 a.m. and went on a shooting rampage.

One of the suspects, armed with an improvised shotgun, shot Soriano in the stomach. They also fired at Soriano’s brother Crisante, who fled. Soriano remains confined at the Tondo Medical Center.

Neighbor Jovith Cabanlit, 21, told police that when the smoke cleared, they found Elmar Malinao dead from a gunshot wound in the head outside the Sorianos’ house. It was not clear whether he was a visitor or living in the house.

One of the alleged assailants, Niel Doligon, alias “Laway,” was arrested. Doligon’s cohorts, two of whom were identified only as “Jimuel” and “Pidol,” escaped.

Police were still trying to find out yesterday what triggered the attack but said an old feud between groups of toughies in the area as the most probable motive. – Pete Laude