MANILA, Philippines — An owner of the house where a fire allegedly originated in Taguig City was shot dead by unidentified assailants before dawn yesterday.
Procto Santa Cruz of Sitio Maliwanag in Western Bicutan died on the spot from gunshots to the body.
Santa Cruz’s neighbors told police that they heard gunshots before he was found sprawled on the pavement at around 1:30 a.m.
Reponding policemen said they recovered empty .45-caliber shells at the scene.
Probers said Santa Cruz was killed hours after a fire broke out at his house.
Police are conducting follow-up investigation for the possible identification of the gunmen.
Santa Cruz’s relatives believe that the killing had something to do with the fire.
The victim’s niece said their neighbors blamed him for the blaze that left five persons injured.
They were Florenda dela Peña, 45; Aldrin Sebial, 5; Jeralyn Tinaga, 9; Arturo Sebial, 7, and Frenlyn Sebial, 4.
They were taken to the Taguig Pateros District Hospital for treatment.
The fire left at least 150 families homeless.
Arson probers said they have yet to determine the cause of the fire.