ILOILO – It’s still a blank wall for investigators on the gunmen’s identity.
But according to Police Lieutenant Dennis Pamonag, Passi City police chief, two motives are being put on light: illegal drugs and revenge.
The Passi City ambush on Sept. 25 left two people killed, including a drug suspect.
The revenge angle was pointed to wounded passenger Kenneth Dorado who admitted receiving death threats prior to the incident.
He faced criminal cases to include murder and frustrated murder due to an alleged land dispute, Pamonag said.
Dorado claimed these were already settled.
“Dorado mentioned names of the possible suspects, but we have no evidence against them,” Pamonag said.
There were also reports that the assailants were paid P150,000 for Dorado’s death, but police have yet to confirm.
Investigation was ongoing, Pamonag said.
Sometime in 2009, Dorado was arrested for illegal drugs. He was released from jail in 2017.
A white van carrying Dorado and three others was strafed in Barangay Aglalana around 3 p.m.
Dorado’s live-in partner, Jennilyn Griño, and Jomar Fuentes died of gunshot wounds.
Driver Jennifer Opina of Poblacion Ilaya, Ivisan, Capiz was not hurt.
The victims were bound for Roxas City when attacked by three suspects riding a red Toyota Vios.
Recovered empty shells suggested a .9mm pistol, .45 pistol and an M16 armalite rifle were used in the ambush./PN