Suspected drug pusher shot dead in Labangon

CEBU, Philippines - Two men shot a suspected drug pusher dead in Salvador Ext., Barangay Labangon at 3 p.m. yesterday.

Sergio Zafra, alias “Doming”, 47, died of at least four gunshot wounds in different parts of his body.

SPO3 Rey Cuyos of the Homicide Section of the Cebu City Police Office, the lead investigator, said that Zafra was standing in the area apparently waiting for someone when he was shot.

Cuyos said Zafra, a resident of A. Lopez St. of the same barangay, arrived there on a motorcycle driven by a relative.

The relative, whose identity is being withheld by the police citing security reasons, said that Zafra asked to be brought to the area as someone was going to meet him.

When they reached the area, Zafra got off the motorcycle and kept busy with his mobile phone, as if trying to contact someone. The driver also stayed.

Just then, two men riding tandem on another motorcycle arrived and shot Zafra several times. Zafra immediately died of gunshot wounds to the chest, nape, back and hand.

Cuyos said one of the assailants fired a final shot at Zafra before pointing the gun at Zafra’s relative.

“Nagpakilooy g’yud kuno siya ug maayo na di lang apilon kay driver ra intawn kuno siya,” Cuyos told The FREEMAN. The assailants decided to spare him and sped off.

Since the attack was conducted in broad daylight, Cuyos said a number of residents nearby witnessed the incident, but nobody was willing to offer testimony when questioned.

Cuyos said they are verifying reports that Zafra was arrested before for selling illegal drugs. He also said drugs is now considered the primary motive behind the attack. —(FREEMAN)