Gunmen kill couple in South Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat borders

KORONADAL CITY -- Unidentified men shot dead a couple in a remote village near the boundary of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, police said.The remains of couple Jonelo Berbocedad, 42 and Betty, 45, were found in the borders of Barnagay New Kuyapo, Tantangan, South Cotabato and Barangay Estrella, President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat, according to Tantangan PNP.Police said the victims were found at 5 a.m. Tuesdayby villagers riddled with bullets from M-16 Armalite rifle.The victims were heading for home on board a motorbikefrom a birthday party in adjacent village when shot by unidentified gunmen.The suspects also took the victims' motorcycle. Responding policemen found 17 empty shells for Armalite rifle. Investigators are looking into the connection between the twin murder and the death of the victims' neighbors Sunday.Police theorized land conflict as the root cause of the shooting. Investigation continues.