Manila:
A 28-year-old Indian man in the Philippines, engaged in money-lending, has been killed after unidentified gunmen opened fire at him, becoming the third Indian to fall victim to armed thieves.
Surinder Singh was shot dead yesterday as he was on his way to collect money from his debtors in Kabacan of North Cotabato province, the Inquirer online reported today.
Police quoting witnesses said that gunmen shot dead Singh using a .45 caliber pistol and then fled from the scene on his motorcycle.
"We are looking into motorcycle theft as the motive behind the killing, since the suspects only carted away his motorcycle. His personal belongings, as well as his daily collections were intact," Superintendent Jordaine Maribojo, Kabacan town police chief, said.
Since January, four people - including three Indians - have fallen victim to armed motorcycle thieves, who have no qualms about harming their victims.
On May 8, gunmen shot another Indian while he was driving his motorcycle in the village. He was rushed to hospital, but died during an operation from wounds in the head and body.
Another Indian man was seriously injured after unidentified motorcycle-borne gunmen shot at him on May 24.