Suspects shot 3 hrs after 'shooting' cop

CEBU, Philippines - Three hours after the shooting of Talisay City policeman Arnold Damasco Thursday afternoon, another shooting incident that killed a barangay tanod and injured his companion happened in Barangay Tabunok.

 The fatality was identified as Abundio Labitad, while his injured companion was Rommel Camasura.

 Talisay City Police Chief Eddie Recamara said Labitad and Camasura were among the five suspects in PO3 Damasco’s shooting.

Recamara believes that the attempt on Damasco’s life was drug-related. Talisay City Police conducted a drug operation a month ago in Barangay Tangke.

Damasco, a warrant server of Talisay City police, reportedly provided information that led to the arrest of suspected level 2 drug pusher Albert “Apar” Salem in June.

 After Salem’s arrest, Damasco received numerous death threats, which he reported to his superior.

 Salem is detained at the Talisay City Jail in Barangay Maghaway. Recamara said they are now looking for the three other suspects. They are also considering other possible angles in their investigation.

Damasco sustained gunshot wound in his back after two motocycle-riding men shot him just minutes after leaving the police station in New City Hall.

He has been declared out of danger and is recuperating in a hospital in Cebu City.

 At around 6:30 p.m. last Thursday, Labitad, 46, and his friend, Camasura were standing near Ruiz Compound in Barangay Tabunok when four men who were riding in tandem in two motorcycles fired several shots at them.

 Labitad was hit in the face while Camasura sustained several wounds in his body. Labitad was immediately brought to Talisay City District Hospital but did not make it alive.

Camasura is now confined at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC). According to Recamara, the two shooting incidents were related.

The police officer added Labitad and Camasura are alleged gun-for-hires. Witnesses identified them as the back-up of the gunman who attacked Damasco.

 Recamara said “government officers” may have been involved in the shooting of Labitad and Camasura.

Recamara however refused to give further details.

But Vita Labitad, the victim’s wife, denied that her husband was a gun-for-hire. She said he was just a barangay tanod and he was not a violent man..  (FREEMAN)