A FORMER inmate was shot to death by unidentified assailants at Barangay Mandalagan in Bacolod City at about 8 a.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2022.

Captain Armilyn Vargas, commander of Police Station 3, identified the fatality as Francis Mark Rito, 38, of Purok Pine Tree, Barangay Bata.

Vargas said Rito was driving his motorcycle along Purok Villa Lucasan when the suspect shot him several times.

The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died on the spot, she said.

Police recovered from the scene of the crime several empty shells of unidentified firearms, motorcycle, drug paraphernalia, and carpentry tools.

Vargas said Rito was imprisoned for the crime of theft and was released last year.

She added that Rito was involved in several theft incidents in the area of Police Station 3.

He was also included on the station's drugs watchlist.

The investigators are looking into drug-related and grudge as possible motives in the crime.

Vargas said they have yet to determine if the gunman has a companion as well as the getaway vehicle since they don't have a witness.

Authorities will check the security cameras along Purok Villa Lucasan to determine the identity of the suspect, she added.