CEBU, Philippines - Two siblings and a minor who were allegedly involved in illegal drug activities were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Victor Village, Tres de Abril, Barangay Punta Princesa, Cebu City past 11 a.m. yesterday.
The fatalities were identified as Ramonito Ibona, 55, and Cesario Ibona, 45, and a 17-year-old girl (name withheld), all residents in the area.
Police Officer 3 Winston Ybañez, investigator of the homicide section of the Cebu City Police Office, said the Ibonas were inside their house with the 17-year-old when two unidentified men wearing caps arrived.
The two men asked a certain “Christian,” who was on his way out of the house, where Ramonito was. But the suspects did not wait for his response and got inside the house.
The gunmen then started shooting the victims. Christian was able to run away.
Police recovered empty shells of a 9mm pistol and eight packs of suspected shabu.
Ybañez believes that the victims were about to have a sniffing session based on the evidence recovered from the crime scene.
Senior Inspector Alvin Llamedo, Punta Princesa Police Station chief, confirmed that Ramonito was engaged in illegal drugs.
He said Ramonito was subject of the station’s Oplan TokHang, but they found out later on that he still continued with his illegal activities.
Llamedo disclosed that the minor was utilized as “courier” of Ramonito.
“Giangkon sa inahan kay naistorya man siya naku nga naapil iyang anak, iyaha pa gani daw na nga gitambagan nga moundang na kay basin maamong, natinood gyud hinuon,” Llamedo said.
Further investigation is being done by the police, who are eyeing the possibility that the victims’ cohorts in the illegal drug operation are behind the crime. (FREEMAN)