A motorcycle-riding assailant fired upon the car Antonio Serrano Jr. was driving, killing the 36-year old drug suspect. Bryan Realgo, ABS-CBN News

ILOCOS SUR – A 36-year-old drug suspect in the town of Cabugao was shot dead while driving his car.

Investigation revealed that the victim, Antonio Serrano Jr., attended a birthday party at his sister’s house in barangay Namruangan before fetching his live-in partner.

But while driving and upon reaching the concrete boundary mark of barangay Namruangan, a motorcycle-riding assailant fired at him.

Serrano sustained three gunshot wound on his left chest and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

Recovered from the crime scene were three fired cartridge cases of caliber-.45.

Serrano’s sister, Florence, admitted that his brother is using illegal drugs before but claimed that he already kicked the habit.

“Matagal na siyang huminto sa paggamit, matagal na matagal na. Nitong mga nagdaan na araw wala naman siyang nasasabi na problema niya, wala rin kaming alam na kaaway niya. Sana lang maimbestigahan ito nang mabuti [He stopped using drugs a long time ago. He had no enemies and nothing was bothering him recently. We hope this will be properly investigated],” she said

Aside from his alleged involvement on illegal drugs, authorities said they will also look into other possible motive.

“Tinitignan natin yung illegal drugs, pero may kaso din kasi siya sa mga nakaraan na taon at pag-aaralan natin din natin ang mga ito” said Cabugao, Ilocos Sur deputy chief of police, SPO4 Nestor Gascon.