Cops say grudge behind killing of drug suspect

 Policemen do not believe so-called vigilantes operating in the city shot dead a suspected drug peddler in sitio Lawis, barangay Lorega-San Miguel, last Wednesday afternoon.

Fabian Rafols, 30, died after he was shot in the head at close range by an assailant while he was eating outside his house.

Cebu City police chief Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador said the assailant is involved in other shootings in the area and their investigation is focusing on a personal grudge angle.

Witnesses said they saw the attack but the assailant was wearing a bonnet and they could not see his face.  He was described as 5’6” tall and wore a black sweatshirt and jeans.

“Dili ta makapugong sa ilang pagduda but we must remove that perception nga kung mag-bonnet vigilante na dayon.” Comendador said.

The victim’s relatives said he was two standing warrants of arrest for drugs.  In 2006, the house of Rafols was raided by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group but he eluded arrest.

The police have yet to solve the over 180 killings blamed on alleged vigilantes that started in December 2004, most of the  victims were convicted felons or those with pending criminal charges.  — Garry B. Lao/BRP