MABOLO Police Station officers arrested one of the suspected gunmen in the killing of a suspected drug personality in Barangay Carreta, Cebu City, during a hot pursuit Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025.
The suspect was identified as Rockyneil Tubilla Catubig, 30, also known as Ewoks, a resident of Barangay Hipodromo.
The victim was Alfredo Cuervo Bernales, 56, of Sitio Panagdait, Barangay Ermita. Bernales was shot past 5 a.m. He was taken to a hospital but was declared dead at 7 a.m.
Police seized from Catubig a caliber .45 pistol with five bullets. Authorities believe it was the weapon used in the crime.
Police are still searching for his accomplice, identified only by the alias Jay-R.
The suspects were identified after a female witness came forward. According to her, the two men had asked about the victim’s whereabouts.
Police are looking at a drug-related motive. The victim allegedly owed a large drug debt to Catubig’s boss and failed to pay.
Maj. Eric Gingoyon, chief of the Mabolo Police Station, said Catubig is an alleged hitman for a drug personality who targets those who fail to pay debts.
Catubig has previous cases. Police records show that he had a warrant of arrest for murder issued on Nov. 6, 2015, and a theft case on April 14, 2016.
On July 27, 2023, a warrant was also issued against him for a frustrated murder case with bail set at P120,000.
Police believe his arrest could help solve other shooting incidents in which he may be involved. / AYB