Eatery helper shot dead

A 31-year-old eatery helper was shot dead yesterday dawn by an alleged notorious drug pusher who is also reportedly a toughie in Alviola Street, sitio Villagonzalo II, barangay Tejero.

The victim was identified as Tammy Oling, 31, a resident of said area but a native of Combas, Liloan town. Tammy reportedly worked as helper in his uncle’s carenderia in the said place.

Based on the investigation conducted by SPO3 Alex Dacua, witnesses identified the assailant as Alde Deguitos. He was with a companion who has not yet been identified.

PO1 Emmanuel Aragon, one of the members of Dacua’s team, said Tammy was with his cousins from Liloan who visited him. Tammy’s cousins were identified as Mamerto Oling, Jr., 21; Marvin Oling, 23; and Ramel Oling, 23. The four were said to have drinking in the house of a couple in the said place.

Moments later, the suspect reportedly called Tammy and his cousins but as they approached the suspect, Dequitos’ companion reportedly pulled out a gun and opened fired at them successively prompting them to scamper for safety.

Tammy was hit several times in different parts of his body and was killed instantly while his cousins escaped unscathed.

Aragon said that earlier, the suspect asked P5 from Tammy and his cousins. When the latter refused, the suspect and his companion allegedly got mad, then left the place hurriedly.

Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Branch deputy chief Wilbert Parilla said Deguitos is a known toughie in the area as well as a notorious drug peddler.

Parilla said they already received several reports about Deguitos’ activities of extorting money from customers who buy illegal drugs. He allegedly receives the money and pretends to buy drugs for them, but instead pulls out a gun and threatens them.

But because these would-be customers know it is unlawful to use illegal drugs, they never report it to the police. — Edwin Ian Melecio/MEEV