Alleged gun-for-hire arrested for death of 'drug peddler'

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged gun-for-hire was arrested by the police yesterday in relation to the death of an alleged drug peddler in Barangay Tejero last Sunday night.

Harold Deguitos, 25, of Sitio Sampaguita, Villagonzalo 2 was arrested by elements of the City Intelligence Branch (CIB) around 11am.

The arrest came after he was tagged as suspect in the death of his neighbor, Ryan Sumili, 25, who was shot around 10pm last Sunday.

Investigation revealed that Deguitos had sent a text message to Sumili for the latter to meet him at his house a few minutes before Sumili was shot.

Investigators said the victim was walking in a narrow alleyway on his way to Deguitos’ house when a bullet pierced the back of his head and exited on his face.

Residents in the area rushed Sumili to the Cebu City Medical Center but the victim was declared dead on arrival.

Homicide investigator Victor Ayuman said it appears that personal grudge was the motive behind Sumili’s killing.

Investigation reportedly revealed that Deguitos has had an axe to grind against Sumili who reportedly used to be the suspect’s errand boy for his drug dealings.

Ayuman said Sumili was forced to work for the suspect in order not to be killed.

Cebu City Police Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe said the suspect was arrested in a follow-up operation by the CIB in coordination with the homicide section.

A cal. 380 pistol and a cal. 38 revolver were seized from Deguito’s during the arrest.

Deguitos was also arrested last year for illegal possession of drugs and firearms. The case, however, was dismissed early this year, Buenafe said.

Last February, Deguitos fired several gunshots in Barangay Tejero when he suspected that his wife was having an affair. Members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) tried but failed to arrest him. They, however, recovered firearms and several sachets of white powder believed to be shabu.

The police are preparing charges for murder and illegal possession of firearms against Deguitos.

He is currently detained at the CCPO stockade. (FREEMAN)