Man shot dead in Argao

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged thief believed to have been involved in illegal drugs was shot dead early morning yesterday in Barangay Langtad, Argao.

Noel Calledo, single and jobless, was sleeping inside a passenger jeepney parked along the barangay road past 2:00a.m. when the assailant came and shot him once.

Calledo was taken to the Isidro C. Kintanar Memorial Hospital due to a gunshot wound in the back portion of his body. He, however, did not get there alive.

The passenger jeepney was parked about a few meters from the national road.

Residents nearby allegedly heard three bursts of gunfire but when police checked, Calledo only had one gunshot wound.

“Sa wala pa sad kuno ang buto-buto duna silay nadunggan nga naghilak. (Prior to the bursts of gunfire, they also heard somebody crying.)” PO2 Alexander Lerio, desk officer, said in a phone interview.

Police suspected there could be scuffle before Calledo was shot as there were bruises in his arms, face and neck. Authorities did not recover any evidence.

Lerio added that Calledo was reportedly involved in several theft incidents in the barangay.

Aside from that, he was also an alleged drug user and pusher.

“Badlungon na gyud ni daan bataa,” Lerio said.

Lerio said Calledo had no records in their police station but in the barangay level, Calledo had several complaints.

Despite all allegations against Calledo, nobody filed a case against him.— /MIT (FREEMAN)