A former publisher of a local newspaper in General Santos City was shot dead outside his house in Barangay West.

The 74-year-old victim identified as Manuel Malinao was also a former employee of the city government.

Based on witnesses’ accounts, two men who were wearing bonnets shot the victim who was standing in front of his house. The gunmen then fled on board a motorcycle.

The victim sustained gunshot wounds to the head and other parts of his body. He died on the spot.

Five empty shells of a 9mm caliber pistol were recovered from the crime scene.

According to the barangay, there have been complaints filed against the victim.

“May kabitbahay siyang nagreklamo sa kanya na tumuntong siya doon sa property nila. Ito siya, wala masyadong kaibigan o kapitbahay, mahilig magsilip sa ginagawang mali,” Barangay West Chairman, Aying Acharon, said.

Investigators are looking into land dispute as possible motive in the killing.

Authorities have already identified persons of interest in the case.

“Aside from personal engagement sa mga lupa, na-monitor natin na nag ca-cater din pala sya ng other person’s problem with regards pagdating sa mga land conflict. So possible, marami siyang nakaalitan dahil sa lupa na yan at tinanggap pa niya ang mga offer ng client na tulungan sila sa mga land conflict. So yung kaaway ng clients niya hindi malayo na naging kaaway nya Narin,” Police Station 1 Commander, Major Renato Dungca Jr., said.

The victim’s family refused to give a statement.