Suspected pusher shot in San Fernando

CEBU, Philippines - A 45-year-old alleged drug pusher was shot dead outside his own house in Barangay Pitalo, San Fernando, Cebu on Wenesday at around 4 a.m.

The victim was identified as Heralde Basalo, resident of the said place.

Police Inspector Lauro Laurel of San Fernando police station said the victim was reported to be one of the illegal drug pushers in San Fernando.

"Dungog-dungog nga kani siya usa ka mamaligyaay ug illegal nga drugas ug tan-aw namo ang motibo sa krimen mao ang kompetisyon sa illegal drug trade", he said.

Laurel said the victim has been threatened by the assailants since January. "Kaniadtong January paman ni siya sugod nga ginahadlok-hadlok ug karon, miabot najud sa point nga gipatay najud siya.

During the incident, Laurel said the victim together with his live-in partner was sleeping when someone knocked on their door. The victim then came out to check on it, but was surprised when unidentified assailants suddenly came out and fired him and his house several times.

Moreover, Laurel opined suspects were armed with high power guns for it really caused big damage to the victim's house.

"Girakrakan jud na ilang balay. Adunay report nga unom kuno kanuok to sila nga nagpabuto ug tan-aw namu armado jud ni sila ug mga high powered firearms kay kung lantawon jud nimo ang balay sa biktima, guba jud kaayo gikan sa mga glass jalousies, TV, DVD player ug uban pa", he said.

The police were able to recover 32 empty shells , one large live ammos of N16 riffle and one live ammos of a 9mm pistol, both from the crime scene and in the custody of the victim.

Reports said that the victim was often seen playing with his gun and sometimes fire it at night.

The victim who sustained two gunshot wounds was immediately brought to South General Hospital in Naga City but was declared dead on arrival.

As of the press time, the police are still conducting further investigation as to the identity of the suspects.  (FREEMAN)