A 24-year-old man who was previously convicted of homicide sustained three bullet wounds in various parts of his body after a gun attack perpetrated by an unknown assailant in Carmen on Sunday.

Victim Joey Tagupa, a resident of Barangay Monte Bidio, Carmen was reportedly shot at about 9 p.m. while attending his cousin’s birthday party in Barangay Nueva Vida Este of said town.

The victim was reportedly in a drinking session when the gunman approached and shot him using a still unknown firearm.

Tagupa sustained gunshot wounds in his neck, left leg and left underarm, authorities said.

According to Chief Insp. Rully Lauron, Carmen police chief, the victim was known to have been a drug user and had surrendered under Oplan Tokhang.

“As per info [received], mo gamit g’yod ni sya. In fact, surrenderee ni siya sa atong lungsod sa Carmen,” said Lauron.

Tagupa was also previously involved in assault cases against several victims.

“For the past month, na-involve ni siya og panumbag, panglaparo, maldito ni siya labina og mahubog,” added Lauron.

However, no cases were filed by the victims against the suspect for the said assault incidents which Lauron said were settled at the barangay level.

Police are now eyeing revenge as motive behind the shooting of Tagupa.

The victim is now in stable condition but continues to be treated at the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital in Tagbilaran City where he was rushed to immediately after the gun attack. (Allen Doydora)