Cops hunt down men in Kidapawan massacre

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- Police here have launched a manhunt against unidentified armed men who massacred Tuesday night three men believed to be their companions in illegal drug trade in a subdivision here, police here said.Supt. Leo Ajero, Kidapawan City police director, identified the victims as Reuben Bagasing, 21, Juanito Barbero, 25 and Francisco Sakayan, 36, all temporary residents of Madrid Subdivision, Barangay Poblacion, Kidapawan City.Ajero said the victims were watching TV at past 10 p.m. in the house owned by Cita Compidio when two men riding tandem on a motorbike arrived.The suspects barged inside the house and opened fire on the victims using cal. 45 pistols. Bagasing and Gamboa both died on the spot while Sakayan managed to run but the suspects chased and finished him off.Ajero, citing police investigation, said the suspects fled on the same motorbike which, according to witnesses, has no license plate.Ajero believed the shooting was related to illegal drugs and the suspects and the victims were former comrades in illegal drug business.Ajero said the police is coordinating with other law enforcement agencies in Kidapawan and in North Cotabato for the arrest of the suspects.