Ex-detainee killed in barangay Carreta

A former detainee of the Bagong Buhay Rehabilitation Center was shot dead by a motorcycle-riding man in front of his brother and neighbors along Gen. Maxilom Extension in barangay Carreta Thursday evening.

Police investigators identified the victim as Roland Milagrosa, 39, a resident of Ponce Compound of the barangay. He was reportedly incarcerated at the BBRC a few years back.

Homicide investigators led by SPO3 Alex Dacua said based on the statements of the victim’s brother, Norberto, the unidentified gunman, who was wearing helmet, stopped and approached them, and immediately shot his brother once in the head.

The suspect then sped toward the port area while responding elements of the Mobile Patrol Group brought the victim to Cebu City Medical Center where he was declared dead on arrival.

Members of the Scene of the Crime Operation recovered from the crime scene one empty shell of a .45 caliber pistol, raising suspicion that suspected vigilantes were behind the killing of Milagrosa.

But police said they are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Milagrosa and are still checking on the background of the victim. Vigilantes have been tagged in the killing of at least 170 former inmates since December 2005.

Milagrosa was reportedly imprisoned at the BBRC for illegal drugs and was released in September 2001. — Edwin Ian Melecio/LPM