3 slain in shootings

MANILA, Philippines - At least three persons were killed in separate shootings in Metro Manila since Wednesday.

In Pasig City, Tohami Ibrahim and Irene Dacoba died at the scene after four armed men shot them at around 5:30 a.m. yesterday.

Tricycle driver Jojo Valencia, 53, told police he was resting on his vehicle along Caliwag street in Barangay Pinagbuhatan when he heard gunshots.

Minutes later, he saw four persons on two motorcycles leaving the area.

Neighbors later saw the bodies of Ibrahim, 35, and Dacoba, 50, lying in the middle of the street.

Police recovered spent bullet shells, the caliber still to be determined.

Ibrahim was reportedly known as a drug pusher in Barangay Pinagbuhatan but did not surrender under Oplan Tokhang, said Chief Superintendent Romulo Sapitula, Eastern Police District director.

He said they are verifying whether Dacoba was hit by a stray bullet or involved in the illegal drug trade.

In Caloocan City, Jonathan Gabarda, 26, was standing along Avocado street in Barangay 178 when two men on a motorcycle shot him repeatedly at around 1:40 a.m. Wednesday.

Police said they are still looking into Gabarda’s background to determine if his killing was drug-related.