CCTV footage shows a suspect walking in the area before the incident. (Photo courtesy of MPD)
A 30-year-old father, whom police described as an alleged former drug user, was shot dead in front of his family in Binondo, Manila, early Saturday.
The victim, identified only as alias “Aldrin,” was with his partner and their children when two gunmen allegedly arrived and shot him at close range in Barangay 275.
A stray bullet also grazed their two-year-old daughter.
The victim was rushed to a hospital but later died of his gunshot wounds.
Police formed a special investigation team composed of personnel from the Delpan Police Station and the homicide section to probe the killing.
CCTV footage showed a man wearing a jersey allegedly asking residents about the victim minutes before the shooting. The man then entered an alley leading to the area where the victim lived.
According to police, the victim’s partner even asked the man what he needed, but he did not respond and eventually left.
Minutes later, the man in the jersey was seen leaving the alley with two armed men—one wearing a jacket and hat, the other in a black cap and yellow shirt.
Police later arrested the alleged lookout and identified the two gunmen, who remain at large.
Authorities are looking into the illegal drug trade as a possible motive. Police said the victim was allegedly a drug user and was also involved in the local drug trade.
They added that the victim had been released from detention more than two months ago after being arrested in connection with an illegal firearms case.
The arrested suspect is now in the custody of the Manila Police District and will be charged with murder, along with the two gunmen who remain at large.