Marawi soldier shot dead by ‘riding-in-tandem’ in Pagadian

A soldier who was home from Marawi City was killed by two men on board a motorcycle outside a billiards hall in Pagadian City, GMA News' Lei Alviz reported on 24 Oras on Tuesday.

Police have yet to determine the motive for the killing of Corporal Rhofel Lihay-Lihay, a member of the 1st Infantry Tabak Division that was deployed to Marawi City to combat Maute fighters there.

Joane, the soldier's wife, said her husband was on vacation in Pagadian for a week and was supposed to return to Marawi City on Wednesday to help in the rehabilitation efforts following the conclusion of the five-month armed conflict.

Lihay-Lihay was playing billiards when he was shot dead.

"Riding in tandem 'to, base sa mga nakakita," said Senior Inspector Mario Regidor of Pagadian Police.

Regidor said they are looking for witnesses who may shed more light on Lihay-Lihay's killing.

"May kasama raw 'to kanina. Hinahanap namin 'yung kalaro niya. 'Di po natin nakikita dito," he said.

Shells from a .45 caliber gun were recovered from the scene.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa has already ordered policemen to go after "riding-in-tandem" killers.  —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News