A FORMER inmate was killed in his home in Cebu City early Monday, the second such killing in two days.
Macgied Lavistre Villamala, 32, died after six armed men shot him inside his house in Sitio Lower Kawayan, Barangay Sambag 2, around 1 a.m. on Monday, June 23, 2025.
The victim, a single father, had recently been released from prison for an illegal drug case.
Villamala’s killing followed that of Ronnie Aya-ay Lawas, 33, who was shot dead in Barangay San Nicolas Proper on Sunday, June 22.
The Abellana Police Station’s investigation revealed Villamala was asleep when the suspects entered his home.
Neighbors reported hearing an argument about suspected shabu. The armed men demanded an “item,” but Villamala said he had nothing to give. When he asked for help, the suspects shot him.
Responding officers brought Villamala to a public hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The suspects fled.
Motive
Col. Maria Theresa Macatangay, deputy director for operations of the Cebu City Police Office, said illegal drugs are the primary motive in Villamala’s killing. She added that investigators have identified persons of interest and are reviewing security camera footage to identify the perpetrators.
In the earlier incident, Lawas, a resident of Barangay Lahug, was shot by assailants on a motorcycle at the corner of Carlock and B. Aranas streets around 9:58 a.m. Sunday. He had recently been released from Abuyog Penal Farm in Leyte after serving a sentence for murder and illegal possession of firearms.
Macatangay said police are exploring whether Lawas’ past murder case is linked to his killing, though illegal drugs are also a possible motive. The Sawang Calero Police Station has identified suspects and obtained CCTV footage to aid the investigation.
Police continue to investigate both killings. / JDG, AYB