By FREDDIE G. LAZARO

CANDON CITY—A businessman and his wife were critically wounded when they were ambushed by unidentified motorcycle-riding suspects along the road in the business center here Sunday night.

Chief Inspector Marlo Castillo, Candon City chief of police, identified the victims as couple Antonio Saya, 56, an army reservist; and Rowena Saya, 38 owners of a 24-hour convenience store and residents of Barangay Sabuanan, Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur.

Investigation disclosed that the ambush happened at about 7:45 p.m. when the victims were on board a motorcycle on their way home.

The suspects who were riding in another motorcycle opened fire on the victims several times.

Antonio was hit on the left back of his body while Rowena was hit on her left upper breast.

The victims managed to report to the police station to seek assistance while the suspects escaped to unknown direction.

Policemen rushed the victim to a nearby hospital before they were later transferred to the Ilocos Region Training and Medical Center in San Fernando City, La Union for further treatment.

The victims were already out of danger at presstime, Castillo said.

Castillo revealed they had already established motive of the incident which they believe could lead to the positive identification of the perpetrators.(PNA)