CEBU, Philippines - A motorcycle-for-hire driver reportedly involved in the illegal drug trade was shot dead by unidentified men near his house in Sitio Lumbang, Barangay Pulpogan, Consolacion town, around 8:35 p.m. last Sunday.
Clifford “Epot” Quiapo, 30, of Barangay Lamac died after sustaining three gunshot wounds
Insp. Wilbert Parilla, chief of the Consolacion Police Station, said Quiapo was on board his motorcycle when he was shot in the back thrice by two men riding in tandem. Parilla said no one could identify who the shooters were. Police only recovered three .45 cal. shells at the crime scene.
Parilla said possible motive of the crime was the involvement of the victim in the illegal drug trade. Robbery did not seem to be a motive because the victim’s cellular phone was not taken.
The cellular phone allegedly contained text messages regarding his drug transactions.
“It’s possible he was not able to remit or that he owed money and was not able to pay. That’s usually the reason when someone is involved in drugs,” Parilla said in Cebuano.
Parilla disclosed that Quiapo was arrested last year for possessing drugs. He was released from the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center after he posted bail. Quiapo’s live-in partner, a certain “Roxanne” is also allegedly involved in dealing drugs.
Parilla further said a drug lord was also supporting the couple. It was the drug lord who allegedly financed their needs since both do not have jobs.
A friend of Roxanne also serves as their drug courier who also deals with the drug lord who is from Cebu City. (FREEMAN)