Anti-drug cop shot dead, labeled a drug pusher

MANILA, Philippines - An anti-narcotics policeman from the Northern Police District was shot dead in Quezon City Sunday afternoon by gunmen who tagged the victim as a drug peddler.

Police Officer 3 Jerry Samson, 44, assigned to the Malabon City police’s anti-illegal drugs unit died on the spot from seven gunshot wounds he sustained from .45 caliber pistols.

Chief Inspector Benjamin Elenzano, head of the Quezon City police’s homicide investigation section, said Samson was talking with some friends near his house in Barangay Commonwealth at past 3 p.m. when two gunmen approached him from behind and attacked.

He said the two suspects were wearing bull caps, black jackets and jeans.

Elenzano said the suspects left a brown envelope with the words: “Pusher. Huwag tularan. Susunod na kayo Daniel Vergara (Pusher. Don’t follow his example. You are next, Daniel Vergara).”

He said they are looking into Samson’s background to determine if his attackers’ claims are true, and trying to identify the person mentioned in the note.

Elenzano said the suspects may only trying to divert the police from the real motive behind the killing.

Meanwhile, police said a stray bullet grazed the right leg of resident Raquel Dulva during the attack on Samson. She was brought to the FEU Hospital for treatment.