CEBU CITY — Two suspected criminals were gunned down in this city vigilante-style a few hours after their release from detention, creating public discussion of the resurfacing of the notorious vigilante group that killed at least 200 suspected criminals over a period of three years, from 2005 to 2008.

Last week, alleged members of the vigilante group ambushed a taxi boarded by a drug suspect who had just posted bail.

The shooting incident along Osmeña Boulevard, this city, killed Raul Dadang seated at the front seat and injured the taxi driver.

His pregnant girlfriend and an unidentified man, both on the backseat, were unhurt. Dadang, who was allegedly being detained at the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), had just come from the Palace of Justice where he posted a P40,000 bail for an illegal drug case.

SPO4 Alex Dacua of the CCPO Homicide Section said the victim had several tattoo marks in his body. The police are still investigating the incident, hoping to find witnesses who could identify the assailants who were onboard a motorcycle.

Also last week, a 40-year-old man from Basilan was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds in the head and body about three hours after he was released from the CCPO stockade.

Richard A. Mañala, 40, of Isabela, Basilan died on the spot after two gunmen attacked him at the corner of Gen. Maxilom Ave. and S. Osmeña Blvd. in Barangay Tejero, Cebu City. He was previously arrested on suspicion that he was a pickpocket.