Drugs behind Duljo Killing

CEBU, Philippines - The police said drugs was behind the killing of a man last Thursday night in Barangay Duljo-Fatima, Cebu City, this after the victim reportedly embezzled a big amount of drug money from his former boss.

Cebu City Homicide Section chief Sr. Insp. Jul Muhammad Jamiri said they received reports that Cornelio Ramos Jr., 44, was involved in illegal drug and gambling operations in the area.

Jamiri also said Ramos eventually switched loyalties from his boss to a rival.

“He changed loyalties and he was seen as a threat to his previous associates which resulted to the shooting,” Jamiri said.

The Homicide chief said they have identified two alleged assailants based on the account of several witnesses.

Investigation revealed that Ramos was tailed by the two assailants after he left his house in Sitio San Pedro of the said barangay to buy medicine for his live-in partner Grace Mancao.

“He was on his way to buy medicine for my high-blood pressure. I never thought that it was the last time that I could see him alive,” Mancao said.

Ramos succumbed to three gunshot wounds in the back and another in the head after his two attackers took turns shooting him before fleeing on a motorcycle. 

Romel Larisma, 14, was also killed on the spot by a stray bullet. He was only attending to their small toy store with his pregnant sister, Mea, who was due to give birth later this month.

“At first, I thought it was the electric post that exploded. My husband asked me to duck, but I just covered my ears. When I turned to my right, my brother was already dead,” she said.

Larisma’s relatives demanded justice for his death.  (FREEMAN)