A TOP drug personality in Bacolod City was shot to death by two unidentified assailants at Purok Sibuyas, Barangay 5, Bacolod Saturday afternoon, May 16.
Police identified the fatality as Gerald Cuadra, 43, of 24th Calamba Street, Barangay 1, Bacolod.
Cuadra was the son of Jose Kim “Boy” Cuadra who was convicted for drug trafficking in July 2006, and is now serving a life term at New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Pico, spokesperson of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), said Sunday that Cuadra was about to board his vehicle when unidentified suspect, who was wearing a face mask, fired at him several times at about 2:25 p.m.
Cuadra sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died on the spot.
Pico said the gunman along his unidentified companion fled on board a motorcycle. Police recovered from the crime scene several empty shells of .45 caliber.
The police are looking into involvement on illegal drugs as possible motive in the killing of the victim.
Pico said the victim’s wife is presently confined in a hospital near the area and his activities were probably monitored by the assailants.
He said the witnesses were having difficulty in identifying the perpetrators because they were wearing face masks and helmet.
He added the personnel of Police Station 2 are still conducting further investigation to identify the suspects.
Pico noted that Cuadra was identified as high-profile drug personality in Bacolod City.
In May 2016, he was arrested after the operatives of Regional Special Operations Task Group raided his house at 24th Calamba Street in Barangay 1 by virtue of search warrant issued by Judge Manuel Cardinal Jr. of Regional Trial Court Branch 43.
The operation also led to the recovery of P1.25 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, drug paraphernalia and several firearms.
In September 2016, Cuadra was released from detention after he posted bail.