ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Two officials of a mining firm were killed while a teenager was wounded in an attack the other night in Vitali district here.
Engr. Felipe Nepomoceno and Romel Dayrit, both of the Atro Mining-Vitali Inc., were having dinner at an eatery when they were shot at about 8 p.m. by a lone gunman on a motorcycle.
The victims died on the spot due to bullet wounds in the heads and bodies.
Jaypee Joven, 16, who was also dining at the eatery was hit by a stray bullet.
Senior Inspector Joel Tutuh, chief of the Vitali police, said the company is currently seeking to operate iron-ore mining in the district.
Citing witnesses accounts, Tutuh said the gunman approached the victims and fired at them several times at close range.
“We already have the leads to the possible motive for the killing,†said Tutuh who refused to reveal more information on the case pending investigation.
A source from the mining company said personal grudge was the motive behind the killing and that it has nothing to do with the upcoming mining operation.