Grudge, love triangle, illegal drugs eyed as motives in ex-mayor's slay inside hospital

Investigators have identified three possible motives in the killing of former Medellin, Cebu Mayor Ricardo Ramirez who was gunned down while under hospital arrest late Tuesday evening.

According to Mariz Umali's report for "Balitanghali", the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) created to investigate the shooting said the incident may have stemmed from a grudge involving the victim's family business.

Investigators said the crime may have also resulted from the victim's alleged involvement in a love triangle as well as illegal drugs.

The Cebu Provincial Police Office (PPO) has expressed alarm over the killing of Ramirez as at least 15 men armed with high-powered firearms were able to storm into the Bogo-Medellin Medical Center (BMMC) where the former mayor was being held.

According to Chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Eloveo Marquez, Cebu PPO's chief of investigation and detective management, the former mayor was a confirmed drug user.

Authorities reportedly seized drug paraphernalia from Ramirez when he was arrested for illegal possession of firearms in July of 2017.

Operatives said they also found improvised shooters (please check script if i heard this right) inside his hospital room where he was killed.

As of the television report on Thursday, investigators had yet to identify the assailants who were able to flee the scene

There were no CCTV cameras at the hospital and the gunmen were reportedly wearing bonnets and gloves.

As manhunt operations continue, authorities have set up choke points and the public has been advised to come forward with any information on the suspects.

Investigators were also waiting for the autopsy results expected to be released within the day. —Margaret Claire Layug/NB, GMA News