4 "drug-related" shootings in just a week in Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines — In a span of just a week, four shooting incidents in Barangay Mambaling and Duljo Fatima were recorded, which authorities believe are all linked to illegal drug activities.

The first shooting occurred at dawn of August 19 in Sitio Micabaja, Barangay Duljo Fatima, where a live-in couple, Saturnino Sericon Biscocho and Maribell Fernan Pedroza, were both killed after they were shot in the forehead. Biscocho and Fernan were both ex-convicts.

Another shooting incident occurred on Monday, August 20, 2024, in Sitio Lawis, Barangay Mambaling, where Roldan Racal, a resident of the area, was killed. Racal was shot by two unidentified suspects who were dressed in black t-shirts and shorts.

This was followed with another shooting on August 22, 2024, wherein a criminology graduate, Gilbert S. Gelbolingo, was shot in his own home in Sitio Kahuyan, Alaska.

Gelbolingo sustained fatal injuries after being shot in the head and shoulders.

Later that evening, at around 7 p.m., a woman, whose identity remains unknown, was also shot and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

Police Major Efren Diaz, Chief of Mambaling Police Station 11, has already identified the suspects and persons of interests (POIs) involved in the shootings.

During their investigation, it was revealed that the suspects are former convicts with a history of involvement in illegal drugs and robbery.

The suspects may have been involved in a conflict over drug-related activities, like remittances and funds which led to the violent incidents.

“Ang lahat ng pangyayaring ito is because of illegal drugs, so iwasan natin. Wag na mag inolve sa illegal drugs,” said Diaz.

The police are also investigating whether the hitmen involved in these shootings are connected to each other or if they were acting on the orders of the same individual.

Diaz also admitted that the lack of CCTV footage in the area has made the investigation more difficult, forcing them to rely on footage from private establishments to gather leads in their investigation.

Despite these challenges, the police have assured the residents of Barangay Mambaling that they are committed to solving these cases and ensuring the safety of the community.

“Sa mga katawhan sa Barangay Mambaling, ayaw mo kabalaka kay ang kapolisan nato, sisiguraduhin namin na mai-sosolve natin tong mga incidente nato,” Diaz stressed.