Alleged drug dealer shot dead in Argao

CEBU, Philippines – A suspected drug pusher was shot dead by four unidentified men wearing black bonnets at the corner of T.S. Kintanar and Jose Rizal streets in Barangay Poblacion, Argao town Thursday evening.

Police said the victim was Elmer Dele Peña Amarillo, alias "ilaga", 40.

Investigation revealed that at around 10 p.m., Amarillo was sitting on a bamboo bench inside a billiard hall watching some people play tosscoin when the four men wearing bonnets approached.

PO2 Van Tecson of the Argao Police Station said witnesses told them that as two of the men served as lookouts, the two others shot Amarillo at close range several times until he fell on the ground.

As he lay there, the two men continued shooting him to make sure he was dead. Amarillo was killed on the spot after sustaining gunshot wounds to the head, chest, abdomen and feet.

Tecson also said three men, Teodoro Herbosa, Joselito Orteza and Charlie Alfafara, landed in the hospital after they were hit by stray bullets.   But Alfafara, who hit in the chest, reportedly died yesterday morning.

No one was able to identify the assailants.

Tecson said that they have been receiving reports regarding illegal gambling in the said place. But every time they conduct an operation those involved are often fore-warned.

"Anhaon namo na usahay ang sugal diha, pero managan man. Dili gyud na permanente. On-off ang hantak diha kay bilyaran mana gud unya mag-abot lang sila diha," Tecson added.

Based on the records of the Argao Police Station Amarillo was arrested for selling illegal drugs in 2008, but was released after posting bail.

Tecson said that they heard a tip that Amarillo was again active in the drug trade in his place.

Police are now looking into the possibility that Amarillo was killed over drugs. - with Ray Pasaporte of Banat News/BRP (FREEMAN)