Alleged drug peddler shot dead

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged drug peddler was shot dead by an unidentified gunman in Barangay Kamagayan, Cebu City around 10am yesterday.

The victim was identified as Benjie Bauyaban, 37, of Sitio Santo Niño in the same barangay.

There were reportedly many people in the area at that time, but only Rafael Santos, 25, a resident of Barangay T. Padilla, said to have seen the actual shooting.

Santos said he and his friend were walking a few meters from Bauyaban when they heard a gunshot, which prompted them and the other people to take cover.

Santos said he managed to turn towards Baubayan’s direction and that was when he saw a man in black shirt pointing a gun at the victim who was already sprawled on the ground. The assailant fired another shot on Bauyaban’s head.

“Nag tindog ni siya (victim), likod sa suspect ug gibanatan siya sa nakaitom og t-shirt. Natumba ug gitiwasan ni siya og misibat dayon,” homicide investigator PO3 Victor Ruel Ayuman told The FREEMAN. 

After shooting the victim, the assailant reportedly towards D. Jakosalem Street on board a motorcycle driven by a companion who was waiting about 10 meters from the crime scene.

Residents in the area said the suspects were actually standing by the area prior to the shooting and it seemed the assailant only waited for Baubayan’s son to leave before shooting the victim.

The victim’s 10-year-old son who was standing few meters from his father during the shooting might have also witnessed the killing. Residents in the area were the ones who brought the child to his mother after the assailants had fled.

“Wala pata’y nakuha nga background kun naa bani siya’y criminal record apan ang estorya sa mga silingan maayo ni siya nga tawo,” Ayuman said.

The victim’s live-in partner, Jonah, 37, told The FREEMAN that she saw Bauyaban last a few minuets from the shooting. “Iya to nga gi-daladala akong anak unya iyang gidunol nako una siya gipusil,” Jonah said.

She said she does not have any idea who might have wanted to kill her partner.The victim’s father who requested not to be named said his son had used illegal drugs. “Grabe ni siya mo gamit og drugas,” he said.   - (THE FREEMAN)