UNIDENTIFIED motorcycle-riding gunmen shot dead a businessman on Sunday, September 29, in front of a cockpit arena in Tanauan, Leyte.

Authorities identified the victim as Mateo "Bong" Perez, 53, married, a resident of Tanauan.

The shooting happened around 2:25 p.m. Sunday along Maharlika Highway, Barangay Magay in Tanauan town.

Initial investigation showed that the victim parked his sports utility vehicle (SUV) Toyota Fortuner along the road and while walking toward the cockpit arena, two unknown gunmen on board a single motorcycle appeared and shot the victim four times.

Perez was hit directly on his head, breast, stomach and right forearm, police said.

The victim was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

The gunmen fled after the incident.

Recovered from the crime scene were four empty shells and one deformed slug of caliber .45 pistol.

Police have yet to determine the motive in the shooting. (SunStar Philippines)