Two alleged drug personalities included in the Tubigon police’s drug watchlist were shot dead by unidentified riding-in-tandem motorcyclists in said town on Thursday evening.

Police identified the victims as Ronald Gabuya and Dennis Diez, both 32-year-olds and residents of Brgy. Potohan and Brgy. Cabulihan, Tubigon, respectively.

According to Talibon police investigator PO2 Ronald Manlangit, the victims were gunned down while riding a tricycle in Barangay Pinayagan Sur.

Manlangit said that while Gabuya was driving the tricycle, a motorcycle suddenly moved beside the victims as the passenger suspect opened fire.

As the victims’ tricycle stopped, the shooter reportedly alighted and fired multiple shots at the victims.

Gabuya was hit twice in his head and several times in parts of his body while Diez sustained a single headshot.

The suspects reportedly fled immediately after the shooting while the victims were rushed to a hospital but were declared dead on arrival.

According to responding police, they recovered seven packets of shabu from Gabuya’s pockets and collected seven spent shells from a 9mm pistol at the crime scene.

Police continue to conduct an investigation on the shooting but have noted that the incident may have been drug related.

Manlangit said that Diez previously surrendered under Oplan Tokhang but continued to engage in illegal drug activities after.

Although listed by police as an alleged drug personality, Gabuya reportedly did not yield to authorities for involvement in illegal drug activities. (Allen Doydora)