China's consul general in the Philippines' second most populous metropolitan city came under gun fire as he dined at a restaurant with members of his diplomatic envoy on Wednesday afternoon.

While Song Ronghua escaped with injuries, two people he was dining with - the deputy consul general Sun Shen and finance officer Hui Li - have both been pronounced dead.

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Up to nine people were having lunch in a private room in the upscale Lighthouse Restaurant to celebrate Song's birthday when the shooting occurred at about 1:30 pm.

Song was reportedly shot in the neck. Police say he is being treated at a local hospital. Sun and Hui, who were shot in the neck and head respectively, were reportedly pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

Meanwhile, a couple has been arrested in connection with the shooting. Li Qing Liang and Guo Jing were at the restaurant in Cebu City when the shooting occurred.

Police say Li exited the building shortly after the incident, leaving behind a .45 Colt pistol that was hidden by his wife Guo. Three bullets were also retrieved from the crime scene.

At the moment, no motive has been given for the shooting. Guo is allegedly an employee of the Chinese consulate. Police suspect that the motive for the attack was personal. The suspects have reportedly invoked diplomatic immunity. While they have been provided with a lawyer, police say a translator is still needed to interrogate the couple, who claim they can't speak English.

The manager of the popular Lighthouse Restaurant told AFP that Song and his colleagues were heard arguing shortly before the shooting occurred. It is unclear if there was any witness to the shooting as the men were dining in a separate room.

The Chinese consulate in Manila has vowed to put out a statement after verifying the facts of the case.  

TagsCebu City Chinese Consul General Shot, Song Ronghua, China Consul General Shot in Philippines, Sun Shen, Hui Li, Lighthouse Restaurant, Li Qing Liang, Guo Jing, Chinese Consulate in Cebu City, Lighthouse Restaurant Shooting