A 22-YEAR-OLD construction worker was shot dead at 11:30 p.m. Monday, January 6, 2025, in Sitio Lower Calvary, Barangay Apas, Cebu City.
The victim was identified as Rico Camay Pepito, a native of Barangay Argawanon, San Remigio, but currently residing in Sitio Rotunda, Barangay Banilad, Cebu City.
Investigation by the Mabolo Police Station revealed that the victim was walking in the area on his way to his partner’s house when the suspect, identified only as "Alfie" from Upper Laguerta, Sitio Tarcom, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, suddenly arrived and shot him multiple times in the back of the head, resulting in his death.
Witnesses said Alfie had an accomplice acting as a lookout.
After the shooting, both suspects fled the scene.
Police Major Romeo Caacoy Jr., chief of the Mabolo Police Station, said that based on their investigation, the victim's live-in partner revealed that Pepito had been involved in illegal drugs.
It was noted that someone had repeatedly been calling Pepito, but the victim would not answer the calls. Investigators are now looking into this report.
"Base sa statement sa iyang ka live-in, na involve pud ni siya sa ginadiling drugas sa una. Mao lagi to nay siging panawag niya nya di na niya tubagon so mao nay among gisubay karon. Posibli naa ni kuan sa illegal nga drugas," said Caacoy.
(Based on his live-in partner’s statement, he was involved in illegal drugs before. Someone kept calling him, and he would ignore the calls, so we are investigating this angle. It’s possible this has something to do with illegal drugs.)
Caacoy also said that Pepito had previously been dismissed from his job due to his involvement in illegal drugs.
The Mabolo Police Station has launched a manhunt operation against the suspects. (AYB)