Father, son shot in Tagoloan town

A father and his son were shot dead by unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen in Sta.Cruz village, Tagoloan town, Misamis Oriental early evening, Wednesday, October 18.

Authorities identified the victims as 26 year-old Erwin Daban and his 57 year-old father, Ricardo.

Police said the younger Daban was driving his tricycle with his son and parents as passengers when they were fired upon.

Daban was able to park his tricycle in front of their house and dash inside where he was pursued by the gunmen.

Witnesses told investigators that the father tried to prevent the gunman from going after his son prompting the gunman to shoot him too.

The gunman fled to the east part of the town after the twin killings.

Police said Ricardo was rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead.

Senior Inspector Corrine Mae Estigoy, spokesperson of the Misamis Oriental Provincial Police Office, said investigators are looking at the angle that the shooting may have something to do with the victim's business.

Estigoy said the victim is involved with 'Bote-bote' or the unregulated selling of bottled gasoline by the roadside.

"Ang target gyud sa suspects kining si Erwin pero gisulay man og pugong ang papa sa suspek mao to napusilan siya, "Estigoy said.

"As of now ang nakita pa lang nga angulo sa mga investigators kay related sa business sa biktima kining pagbaligya og gasolina og krudo sulod sa botelya diha sa kalsada, "Estigoy said.

Police said the victims had no prior arrests or derogatory records.

Investigators are still facing a blank wall as to the identities of the perpetrators.