Two women were found dead early Thursday morning in Barangay Salaza, Palauig, Zambales, after residents reported hearing gunfire before dawn.
The victims were identified by the Palauig Municipal Police Station as Ericha Ednalaguim, 24, and Lieh Gabriel. Police said both sustained gunshot wounds to the head and back.
According to a resident, the incident began around 3 a.m. when they heard a vehicle engine start, followed by a series of gunshots. The bodies were discovered at around 6 a.m.
The father of one of the victims told Brigada Olongapo that the women had been in a relationship for a long time. He said they left his custody and were renting a boarding house at the time of their deaths.
Investigators recovered five spent shells from a .45-caliber pistol at the scene. Authorities also found 15 empty sachets, scissors, a lighter, jewelry, and other personal belongings.
Police are considering several possible motives, including the victims’ alleged involvement in illegal drugs. No suspects have been identified as of press time.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to trace the suspects and determine the events that led to the fatal shooting.
