Drug trade eyed in Malabon shooting

MANILA, Philippines - A 23-year-old man was shot and seriously hurt in front of his house in Malabon City early yesterday morning.

Police are eyeing illegal drug trade as the motive for the attempt on the life of Darwin Bryan Agtarap.

Agtarap was passing time in front of his home along Atis Road in Barangay Potrero at past 3 a.m. when the assailant arrived and shot him several times, city police chief Senior Superintendent Severino Abad Jr. said.

Although wounded, Agtarap managed to run but the suspect chased him and shot him again.

The suspect escaped after the attack. Agtarap was rushed to the Valenzuela Medical Center by his neighbors.

Abad said the victim was jobless and reportedly involved in illegal drug trade in the area.