A MAN was killed, while his live-in partner was injured after they were shot by an unidentified assailant inside their rented house in Purok Sigay, Barangay 2, Bacolod City Tuesday morning, February 16.

Police identified the fatality as Rahnz Morre Banias, 29, of Barangay Banago. Injured was his live-in partner Mary Liza Pahamutang, 36, of Barangay 2.

Police Lieutenant Joven Mogato, chief of Police Station 2, said the victims were lying on their bed around 6:30 a.m. when an unidentified assailant, who was wearing a bicycle helmet, entered their house and fired at them several times using a .45 caliber revolver and fled.

Banias sustained gunshot wounds on his head and right arm, while Pahamatung also sustained gunshot wounds on her left eye and back portion of her body. Both of them were brought to a hospital, but Banias did not survive.

Police recovered from the scene of the crime five empty shells of .45 caliber.

Mogato said they are eyeing illegal drugs as a possible motive in the killing of Banias.

He said that before the incident, Banias engaged in a heated argument with an unidentified man due to their illegal activity in Barangay 2.

He said they were informed that Banias was involved in illegal drug activity in Barangay 2, while the former live-in partner of Pahamatung was also arrested for violation of illegal drugs.

In February alone, Banias was the fourth person killed by unidentified assailants in Bacolod City. All the assailants remain unidentified.