Drugs linked to man's death

CEBU, Philippines -  A 32-year-old man allegedly involved in using illegal drugs was shot dead by two unidentified assailants Wednesday evening in Sitio Kulo, Barangay Pajac, Lapu-Lapu City.

Rosell Lumongsod, a resident of the said barangay, was seen lifeless on the ground and bathed in blood by his friend Jovencio Santillan.

Initial investigation revealed that while Lumongsod and Santillan were sitting outside the victim's house, two strangers reportedly arrived in the area.

After this, Lumongsod then asked his friend to go to a nearby store to buy something, to which Santillan yielded.

But when Santillan was about to reach the store, he heard two gunfire shots so he immediately went back to Lumongsod's house. When he reached the place, his friend was already down.

The victim gained gunshot wounds in his chest and in the right side of his neck while the suspects fled even before the police could arrive.

Police Officer 2 Joseph Rouel Cutanda of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office Homicide Section told The FREEMAN that a few neighbors witnessed the commotion between the two suspects and Lumongsod outside the latter's house.

Witnesses alleged that one of the suspects pulled his hand gun and shot the victim.

Further accounts also said that Lumongsod was still able to run away but he was chased by the suspects and was shot for the second time.

According to PO2 Cutanda, the victim was allegedly tagged in drug trade and owed money to a certain "Kino."

Cutanda also shared that before the incident, Lumongsod's family had been receiving death threats.

Police are verifying reports that Santillan allegedly traded his motorcycle to Kino about three weeks ago as collateral to a loan.

They are now conducting a follow-up operation for the possible arrest of the suspects.  (FREEMAN)