Gang behind Caloocan murders – police

MANILA, Philippines - The killing of three men and wounding of three others in Caloocan City Wednesday night could be the handiwork of an organized crime ring, police said yesterday.

Police said Rey Cayetano, 35, of Phase 4, Bagong Silang, died at the scene. Aiko Escarda and Jomar Andaya died while being treated at the Nodado Hospital.

The other victims – Ogie Laderas, Bobby Sarmiento and Jerome Tenson – are in critical condition at the East Avenue Medical Center.

Police said the victims were having a drinking session in Barangay 176 at around 8:30 p.m. when four masked men fired at them.

Caloocan police chief Senior Superintendent Ariel Arcinas said they were verifying reports that Escarda’s group clashed with several men prior to the shooting incident.