A 34-year-old tricycle driver was shot dead while at work by motorcycle-riding suspects in Barangay Tebeng, Dagupan City.

The victim, identified as Edwin Lopez, was found dead in an alley near his tricycle.

According to police, Lopez sustained fatal injuries to the head and neck, which killed him instantly.

Barangay officials described Lopez as a kind and well-liked individual with no known enemies.

“Pabalik na, kasi ang paradahan nila sa looban eh. Noong pabalik na, 'yun na, hindi na nakarating diyan. Parang tinambangan na siya sa may kanto,” Markfiel Gomez, Barangay Tebeng Chairperson, said.

According to Dagupan City Police Deputy Chief PMaj. Apollo Calimlim, Lopez was about to switch shifts with another tricycle driver when the attack happened.

“Wala naman siyang death threat. Accordingly, itong biktima natin ay mayroon siyang kapalit na nagda-drive ng motor na ‘yan,” Calimlim said.

Authorities recovered five bullet casings of an unidentified caliber from the scene.

They are not ruling out mistaken identity as a possible motive but continue to explore other leads.

Police are reviewing closed circuit television (CCTV) footage to identify the suspects.

The investigation continues as of this writing.

“Nagka-conduct tayo ng investigation natin para ma-confirm natin kung ano ang motibo ng pamamaril,” Calimlim said.