3 killed in Calabarzon shootings

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna – Three persons including a drug suspect were killed in separate shootings in Batangas and Quezon province over the weekend.

Jess Noel Blanco was on his way home on a motorcycle when he was shot by unidentified assailants in Barangay Calicanto, Batangas City.

Blanco, who was declared dead on arrival at the Batangas Medical Hospital, was reportedly involved in illegal drug trade and robbery cases, according to Superintendent Wildemar Tiu, chief of the city police.

Probers have yet to determine if the killing was drug related.

In nearby Malvar town, jeepney driver Benigno Castillo was fixing his vehicle in Barangay Bagong Pook when an unidentified motorcycle-riding man shot him. Castillo died at the scene due to a gunshot to the head. In Quezon province, Inocencio Maranan was driving a tricycle when a lone assailant shot him in Barangay Bukal, Candelaria town.

Police have yet to determine the motive for the killing.