A MOTORCYCLE rider was allegedly shot by Negros Island top drug suspect Ricky Serenio on Lacson Street in Barangay Mandalagan, Bacolod City early Tuesday morning.
Police identified the victim as Joen Villacojer, 29, of Purok Bangrus, in the said village.
He was arrested for possession of dangerous drugs in October 2016, but was able to post bail. He was also accused for threat.
Senior Inspector Jun Ray Batadlan, head of Police Station 3, said Villacojer was being followed by Serenio and his unidentified companion-driver at 12:45 a.m.
Serenio fired at Villacojer using an alleged .45 caliber pistol.
Villacojer sustained a lone gunshot wound in his left leg and was brought to a hospital.
Batadlan said the incident could have been triggered by a failed drug transaction, or could also be due to grudge.
Serenio, an alleged member of Berya drug group, was arrested in Talisay City last January 8 for grave coercion, wherein he yielded a .45 caliber pistol with magazine containing five live ammunition and a fragmentation grenade.
He was released from detention after he posted bail each for grave coercion, illegal possession of firearms, and explosives.
Serenio identified certain policemen, media personalities, politicians, and other law enforcers as protectors of illegal drugs.
More than 40 policemen were relieved from Negros Island after they were mentioned by Serenio in his first affidavit and supplemental affidavits as recipients of protection money from drug groups.
Batadlan said they were directed by Senior Superintendent Francisco Ebreo, officer-in-charge of Bacolod City Police Office, to arrest the perpetrators by all means.
Follow-up operation is ongoing.