Man linked to illegal drugs shot dead in Hinigaran

BACOLOD CITY – The death of a 46-year-old man in Purok Taytay Tanulo, Barangay Pilar, Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, shortly after midnight yesterday may be drug-related, according to police.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Eduardo Corpuz, the town’s police chief, said the victim left his house on a motorcycle after reportedly receiving a text message to meet someone.

As he was about to return home around 12:30 a.m., he spotted two unidentified individuals on the road, prompting him to turn back to the meeting place.

However, these two individuals allegedly shot him from behind, with the second shot hitting him in the back and exiting through his chest.

He was declared dead at a hospital, while the suspects fled on foot.

Police recovered five spent cartridges from a suspected 9mm caliber firearm at the scene.

Corpuz said the victim had been identified as an alleged drug user and had recently returned to the town after leaving during the height of Oplan Tokhang.

Corpuz also noted that the victim was reportedly involved in the illegal drug trade, leading authorities to suspect that his death might be connected to a failed drug transaction.

“This might be a case of betrayal, possibly due to a significant debt,” Corpuz said, adding that the victim may have failed to settle a payment related to illegal drugs.

Corpuz said it’s possible that the person the victim met in the area could also be the perpetrator. He added that they are seeking the assistance of the victim’s family to aid in the investigation.