Police eye illegal drugs in shooting

CEBU, Philippines - Aside from illegal numbers games, the police revealed yesterday that the death of Antonio Fabian Santos last Wednesday might also be because of his alleged involvement in illegal drugs.

Sr. Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe, Cebu City Police Office Director, said that Santos reportedly worked as a pusher operating at the Barangay Kalunasan area where he was killed.

But Buenafe refused to disclose details so as not to jeopardize investigation.

The police officer also said that the mastermind behind the victim’s death might be his former “drug suppliers or even his rivals” in the illegal operation.

Buenafe also ordered his men to conduct a deeper investigation on the incident. He said they are still establishing Santos’ relation to Ariel “Bobong” Degamo, an inmate at the Cebu City Jail who came from Gingoog City and is facing charges of robbery with homicide, murder and allegedly drugs.

Jail authorities confirmed that Santos visited Degamo on Tuesday, the day before he was killed by a man who was riding with him in his vehicle. 

Buenafe said Degamo is not cooperating with the police. Buenafe said Degamo might be the last person Santos talked to over the phone a few minutes before he was killed but this has yet to be verified. Police also have four other suspects.

 Cebu City Jail Warden Johnson Calub told The FREEMAN yesterday that they could not discount the possibility that Degamo has a phone hidden somewhere inside his cell although these are strictly prohibited inside the facility. They have not recovered any mobile phone in a surprise inspection.

He added that elements from the Cebu City Homicide section visited Cebu City jail to talk with Degamo who denied an interview.

“We can’t force him if he does not want to talk to the police. It is his right and we respect it,” he added. — (FREEMAN)