Tanod shoots alleged drug pusher

CEBU, Philippines - A barangay tanod shot to death an alleged drug pusher dawn yesterday in New Imus Road, barangay Lorega-San Miguel, Cebu City.

Police identified the fatality as Eric Mariano Fuentes, 25, single, a resident of Purok 5, barangay Kamputhaw while the tanod was identified as Bryan Mabaga.

Cleo Jumao-as Fuentes, 19, half brother of the victim, told police that he was whiling away time with his other brother, Rustom Fuentes, and two other friends at the center island in New Imus Road when Mabaga reportedly appeared with a gun.

Mabaga reportedly approached Fuentes who was sitting on a pedestrian lane with a companion a few meters away from the center island and pointed his gun at the two men. The two immediately scampered away, but Mabaga chased them and fired a shot, which hit the victim.

Mabaga also allegedly fired a shot at Fuentes’ companion, but missed, prompting him to resume chase towards the interior portion of barangay Carreta.

Responding policemen from the Parian Police Station saw Fuentes’ lifeless body lying face down along side of the road. A plastic toy gun with a magazine and a black bail cap were also reportedly seen beside him.

Initial inspection of the body showed the bullet hit the victim on his right forehead, which exited on the back of his head.

Crime scene operatives and policemen from the Homicide Section of the Cebu City Police Office recovered five sachets of white crystalline substance believed to be shabu placed inside Vicks vaporub plastic container and P145 cash from the pockets of Fuentes’ pants.

The cadaver was later taken to the Maturan Funeral Homes for post mortem examination. A hot pursuit operation was conducted on the suspect, but turned out negative. — Niña G. Sumacot/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)