Two suspected drug-linked hitmen held in Bacolod woman’s killing

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Four individuals, including two suspected guns-for-hire, were arrested during a hot pursuit operation in Purok Gonzaga, Barangay Taculing on Friday, April 3.

Authorities identified the alleged gunmen as Tony, 42, a resident of Barangay Bata classified as a high-value individual (HVI), and Win, 39, of Barangay Vista Alegre, tagged as a street-level individual.

Both suspects had prior drug-related arrests, according to the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR).

Police Capt. Rosalino Pugoy Jr., head of Police Station 3, said the suspects were located at their alleged hideout through intelligence monitoring less than 24 hours after a fatal shooting in Purok Maabi-abihon, Barangay Banago on Thursday night, April 2.

The victim, identified as Bebe, 29, was reportedly on her way home aboard a tricycle when she was tailed and shot by the two assailants.

She sustained a gunshot wound to the back and died while undergoing treatment at a hospital.

While the victim had no known police record, Pugoy noted that a family member had previously been jailed for a drug-related offense.

Pugoy speculated that she may have been targeted over suspicions that she was acting as an “asset” in anti-drug operations.

Also arrested in the operation were No, 54, and Jov, 39, a construction worker, both residents of Barangay Taculing and categorized as street-level individuals. No had also previously been jailed on a drug offense, police said.

Seized from the suspects were approximately 60 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP 408,800, two .45-caliber pistols — including an Ultra Raptor II with a loaded magazine and an STI pistol — and PHP 350 in cash.

The PRO-NIR commended the swift, coordinated response of the Bacolod City Police Office, citing its stance against violent crime, illegal drugs, and loose firearms.