Sniper kills big-time drug pusher in Dipolog City

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - An unidentified sniper gunned down a detainee tagged as big-time drug pusher Friday morning while he was about to appear in a court in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.

The victim was identified as RG Cuenca Guico, a resident of Barangay Barra, Dipolog City, according to its city police chief Superintendent Lito Andaya. 

Police investigation disclosed that Guico along with fellow detainee, Arjay Recososa, disembarked from the vehicle of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) about 9:30 a.m. right at the back of the Hall of Justice.

The unidentified sniper positioned some 40 meters away from Guico and shot him.

Guico, who was hit and wounded on his right chest, managed to run inside the Hall of Justice with Recososa together with their BJMP escorts and reached Branch 6 of the Dipolog City Regional Trial Court. 

Andaya reported that Guico and Recososa were scheduled to appear before the sala of Branch 10 where they were facing charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Guico was rushed to the Corazon Aquino Hospital but died while undergoing medical treatment due to fatal wound on his chest. 

Andaya said the unidentified assassin quickly escaped onboard a white van that fled towards unknown direction.

The police have yet to determine the type of gun used by the sniper in what authorities believed was used to silence Guico. 

The victim was detained for seven years at the Dipolog City Correctional and Rehabilitation Center for engaging in illegal drug trade.

Andaya said the investigation is ongoing to identify the culprit and the motive for the gun slaying.