A SUSPECTED drug pusher was gunned down in Barangay Pulpogan, Consolacion, Cebu at dawn yesterday.
Carlo Genaldo was reportedly fixing his mountain bike outside his house around 3 a.m. when two men on a motorcycle shot him.
PO3 Arthur Ariate of the Consolacion Police Station said neighbors were awakened by the sound of gunshots. When they checked outside, Genaldo was already sprawled on the ground.
Genaldo was rushed to the Eversley Child Sanitarium in Barangay Jagobiao, Mandaue City, but he was declared dead on arrival.
He died from multiple gunshot wounds. He was hit in the chest, waist and ears.
According to a witness, the gunman disembarked from the motorcycle and approached Genaldo. He then shot the victim several times.
The two men immediately fled.
Police recovered three empty shells from a .45 pistol at the scene.
Ariate, when interviewed by Sun.Star Cebu, said Genaldo’s alleged involvement in the illegal drugs trade could have been the motive for the attack.
Possible motive
Last July, police conducted a buy-bust against Genaldo after receiving complaints from some residents. During the operation, Genaldo escaped.
Police still filed a complaint against Genaldo for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“Ilhan gyud ni siya sa barangay nga tigpamaligya (Everyone in the barangay knew he was a pusher),” Ariate said.
PO1 Archival Caputolan, in a radio dySS interview, said Genaldo may have angered some of his customers.
According to some residents, the victim allegedly ran away with his customers’ money.
“Papaabuton daw niya inig hatag sa kwarta pero dili na mobalik (He would take their money but he wouldn’t return with the shabu),” Caputolan said.
Sometimes, Genaldo would replace the shabu with salt, they said.