GUNMEN onboard a sports utility vehicle (SUV) shot dead a 31-year-old student Tuesday, February 11, in Maasin City, Southern Leyte.

Joseph Salvador Siega, who had been considered a high-value target, was killed around 6:45 p.m. in Barangay Tagnipa, Maasin City.

Initial investigation revealed that the victim was smoking outside an eatery when the gunmen onboard a black SUV pulled over and shot him.

Siega was hit in the differrent parts of his body, resulting in his instantenous death.

The gunmen immediately fled after the incident.

Elements of Maasin City Police and Southern Leyte Provincial Police Office are conducting hot pursuit operation against the gunmen. (SunStar Philippines)