Dispatcher previously jailed for illegal drugs shot dead

BACOLOD City – Police are looking into illegal drugs as a possible motive behind the killing of a dispatcher or transportation hawker at Purok Kagaykay, Barangay 2 here last Saturday.

The victim was identified as Stephen Bachoco III, 32, of Purok Tahong, Barangay 2.

Police Captain Jonito Pastrana, head of Police Station 2, said the victim was supposed to meet someone for an alleged transaction when an unidentified suspect tailed him and shot him from behind.

The wounded victim then ran to escape, but he was chased by the suspect who shot him again in the head.

Pastrana believed that the victim might have been monitored by the suspect prior to the incident. He said that the suspect might also have grudges against the victim due to possible failed illegal drug transactions.

Police recovered from the crime scene fired bullets of .45-caliber ammunition.

Pastrana said the victim was previously convicted for illegal drugs and was jailed at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

He added that the victim was also included in the drugs watchlist of other law enforcement units here.

The victim was also allegedly tagged in a series of theft incidents in their barangay and neighboring areas, according to Pastrana.

He was previously arrested for illegal possession of a deadly weapon here in 2019, the station commander added.

Pastrana said they already have a person of interest in the case.