Central Visayas Cop Chief Says No Enough Evidence Vigilantes Behind Drug Suspects Slay

Chief Superintendent Noli Talino, Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 director, has said there is no enough evidence that vigilantes are behind the killings of illegal drug suspects in Central Visayas.

Talino also assured no cops were deployed as mercenaries.

Police said a total of 180 suspected drug pushers were killed in the region from July to August.

Taliño said operatives killed 40 suspected drug pushers in July and 42 in August in legitimate operations.

But he said they are investigating the cases of 98 suspected drug pushers in Central Visayas who were executed by unknown assassins.

Most of the victims were killed by two unidentified men riding in tandem on a motorcycle, while in some incidents the perpetrators were also alleged drug pushers.

Last Aug. 25, suspected drug pusher Ronald Udto, 19, shot and killed alleged drug trader Rogelio Petalcorin Gabasa, 30, in Sitio Lawis Riverside, Barangay Pasil, Cebu City.

The suspect shot the victim, believing the latter had told the police about illegal drug operations in their village. (PNA) FPV/EB/EDS