Laborer shot dead in Kabankalan drug-related attack

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A 40-year-old laborer was shot dead Monday night in Barangay Tabugon, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, in what police suspect was a drug-related grudge attack.

The victim, identified only as “JR” by authorities, had just finished playing basketball when two unidentified men approached him around 6 p.m.

Police Lt. Col. Roberto Indiape Jr., chief of the Kabankalan City Police Station, said the victim attempted to flee after one of the suspects pointed a gun at him.

The gunman reportedly chased and fired at the victim, who tried to take cover in a nearby house but was cornered and fatally shot.

Police recovered a live round, one fired bullet, and five spent cartridges from a .45-caliber firearm at the scene.

An improvised glass tooter was also found on the victim, while several empty plastic sachets were discovered at his residence.

Indiape said the victim had survived a previous attempt on his life last year.

He added that the victim was allegedly involved in theft incidents in the barangay, although no official complaints had been filed.

The victim was also tagged as a drug personality and was allegedly both a user and a pusher, according to Indiape.

Police believe the attack may have been triggered by an unpaid debt related to an illegal drug transaction.

Indiape said investigators have already identified the gunman and his accomplice.