A 35-year-old utility worker was shot dead at close range by an unidentified gunman Thursday morning in front of a fast-food establishment in Barangay Mariano Marcos, Jaen, Nueva Ecija.
Police identified the victim as Mark Joseph Batuyon, a resident of Barangay Sapang in the municipality.
Based on the initial police investigation, Batuyon and the gunman allegedly had a brief conversation before the suspect suddenly drew a firearm and shot the victim at close range. The caliber of the weapon used has yet to be determined.
The gunman immediately fled the area aboard a single motorcycle, reportedly with another unidentified person waiting nearby as a possible getaway companion.
Police have launched a manhunt operation for the suspects, but authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the shooting.
Meanwhile, Jaen Mayor Sylvester Austria has given the local police 24 hours to arrest those responsible for the killing.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify the gunman and determine the circumstances and motive behind the attack.
