Alleged drug pusher killed

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged drug pusher was shot and killed by an unidentified motorcycle-riding man Monday morning in Barangay Magdugo, Toledo City.

The victim was identified as Elino Respondo, 40, of Sitio Abaca, Barangay Pooc. He sustained five gunshot wound to different part of his body.

Responding policemen recovered a medium pack of suspected shabu amounting P7,000 inside Respondo’s underwear.

They also found five empty shells of .45 caliber pistol believed to be used by the assailant and the victim’s wallet containing P960 cash.

Respondo was rushed to Toledo District Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

Senior Police Officer 1 Thule Tahanlangit said Respondo was on his way home onboard his Honda motorcycle from Barangay Poblacion when incident happened.

A witness said there was a brief chase before the assailant opened fire and hit Respondo in the thigh.

“Possible giatngan ni siya daan unya nakamatikod man siya maong dunay ginukdanay,” Tahanlangit said.

Based on police record, Respondo was arrested in May for illegal drugs and was detained at Toledo City Police Station.

However, he gained temporary freedom after posting bail.

Tahanlangit said they will look into the drug angle in their investigation into Responde’s death.

“Sa kabanay mi magsugod if prior sa hitabo wala ba sila’y namatikdan sa biktima,” the investigator said. – (FREEMAN)