A GROUP of unidentified gunmen barged into a house on Ocampo Drive in Barangay Inayawan, Cebu City Sunday morning, December 5, 2021, killing three persons, including a 16-year-old boy.

The Pardo Police Station, in its initial investigation, linked the crime to illegal drug trade as the house was reportedly used as a drug den where pushers sold shabu and users sniffed the banned narcotics.

Fatalities were identified as Mark Pepito Aventurado, 16; Jake Fernandez Bas, 26; and house owner Ernie Gasalatan Sales, 39.

Pardo Police Chief Jose Angelo Acupinpin said it could be also possible that a rival group exact revenge on the victims as Bas’ group had reportedly been involved in recent shooting incidents in Inayawan.

He received reports that drug personalities who are now in jail often contacted Bas if they want to kill pushers who failed to pay their due.

Surrounded house

Mother’s woe