Two Teeners Gunned Down In Davao City

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 15, 2008) – Unidentified gunmen struck anew in Davao, murdered two teenagers as the vicious cycle of violence continues in this southern Filipino city known for its unsolved cases of extrajudicial killings.

Police said the latest victims, Ruel Alicania and Francis Capailo, both 15 years old, were shot late Sunday by a pair of motorcycle gunmen along Km. 5 in Buhangin village.

The two were just buying bread from a bakery when the assailants attacked them and police blamed gang war for the twin killings.

Previous killings had been largely blamed by relatives of victims to the authorities and anti-crime vigilantes. Hundreds of suspected criminals and those with police records had fallen victims to the bullets of the so-called Davao Death Squad. (Romy Bwaga)

1 Killed In Drive-By Shooting In South RP

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 15, 2008) – Unidentified gunmen fired on a crowd of people in what witnesses said was a drive-by shooting in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines.

The attack occurred late Friday near a Muslim enclave and radio reports said several men were believed involved in the firing. But it was unclear whether police has established a motive for the attack or if it was connected to a gang war.

One teenager was reported killed in the shooting and that several others were injured.

No group claimed responsibility for the shooting, but police investigators have interviewed witnesses who claimed to saw the attackers in two vehicles.

Street wars are common occurrence in Zamboanga City, particularly between gang members and in previous attacks had killed and seriously injured young men. (Mindanao Examiner)