Alleged drug pusher shot dead, partner wounded

CEBU, Philippines - A man who was believed to have been involved in illegal drugs was killed while his live-in partner was injured after they were shot by an unidentified man inside their house early morning yesterday in Barangay Hiloctog, Barili town.

The couple was asleep past 2 a.m. when the assailant forced his way into their house and shot bus helper, Jomar “Jerome” Cameros, 24, hitting him in the left side of the chest and left shoulder.

The assailant also injured Jennelyn Lumanio, 25, in the right leg.

The two victims were taken to the Barili District Hospital but Cameros was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician while Lumanio was referred to a hospital in Cebu City for further medical treatment.

Barili police chief Chief Insp. Arvi Arbuis said they are pursuing illegal drugs as possible motive because Cameros was allegedly involved in illegal drugs trade in the town.

During the town’s fiesta last Saturday, Arbuis frisked Cameros after he received information that victim was carrying shabu, but none was recovered.

“Sa akong pagkahibalo tua na sa iyang kauban napasa na,” Arbuis said in a phone interview.

Arbuis said they just finished conducting police visibility yesterday prior to the shooting incident.

The assailant reportedly called to Cameros from outside the house before the shooting. When nobody answered the assailant decided to barge into the house. Police suspect that assailant used a 40mm cal. pistol based on the two empty shells recovered.

Additional information received by the police revealed that Cameros was a suspected gun-for-hire. In fact, he was still on parole after he was accused of illegal possession of firearms.

“Na-priso na man ni sa CPDRC (Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center) pero wala na ko kahibalo kanus-a lang nakagawas,” Arbuis said.

Police said they will be inviting Lumanio for further questioning to identify the assailant. — (FREEMAN)