Three killed in 2 shootings

DUMAGUETE CITY , Philippines— Three persons died in two shooting incidents, one on Sunday night and then at past midnight Monday, in this city.

At about 11 p.m. Sunday, unidentified assailants shot dead John Michael Fabillar, 27, and slightly wounded his live-in partner, Debbie Mae Condura. The two were riding a tricycle on their way home to Cadawinonan when shot at by riding-in-tandem gunmen, investigators said.

Superintendent James Goforth, Dumaguete City Police chief, said Fabillar, who had gotten out of prison for homicide and illegal drugs charges, has an older brother who was convicted for illegal drugs and is now detained in the National Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa City.

Fabillar earlier received several death threats due to alleged non-remittance of dues, according to Condura.

An hour after, or at 12:40 a.m. Monday, two men on a motorcycle were shot at close range by riding in tandem assailants near El Pueblo housing subdivision in Candau-ay.

The victims were identified as Recon Torres, 36, of Purok Yellow Top in Candau-ay who sustained ten gunshot wounds, and Francis Sagario, of Purok Orchids in Scandinavian housing project, who had five gunshot wounds. Recovered from the scene were six bullets for a Super .38-cal. pistol and a mobile phone.

Goforth said he was informed that the victims were "known personalities in Candau-ay for fighting cock thieveries."

Goforth however added there were no conclusive findings yet on the two shooting incidents, as the possible linkage between them has yet to be determined.