Suspected drug financier gunned down in Dumaguete

MANILA, Philippines — Motorcycle-riding men gunned down a suspected drug financier in Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental province Monday night, an online news site reported Wednesday.

The Visayan Daily Star (www.visayandailystar.com) said the incident occurred at the corner of Aldecoa Street and the North national highway in Daro village.

Killed was Magtanggol Liu Jr., a resident of Looc village in Dumaguete. He died from multiple gunshot wounds from a machine pistol.

Witnesses said the killers were wearing ball caps and were on board a black Honda motorcycle.

Police investigators recovered from the crime scene 15 spent shells of a 9-mm pistol and three deformed slugs.

Liu's brother is the late Dandan Liu, who was also shot dead a few months ago in Tampi, San Jose town.

Their father Magtanggol Sr. was also killed by still unknown suspects few years ago.

Dumaguete police director Supt. Leopoldo Cabanag said they are not discounting the possibility the killing may have been connected to the illegal drugs trade.

Liu, also known as "Baden," was a frequent visitor at wakes and is reported to be a heavy bettor in the Chinese gambling game called "panchong."

Before his death, he was reported to have won in this game in Piapi village.

It was the second attempt on his life, after he survived the first more than two years ago.

Police are looking into the possibility that the culprits may have a back-up stationed at the corner of Brix tailoring, with the recovery of a spent shell and two slugs near the sala of Ma. Corazon Perez, a few meters away from the scene of shooting.

Initial investigation showed that the victim could have fired back hitting Perez's residence, but the police said they could not find a gun when the victim was rushed to the hospital.

Perez, a clerk of court at the Regional Trial Court Branch 41 in Dumaguete, said her mother was almost hit during the shooting. - GMANews.TV