Another drug suspect eliminated?

MANILA, Philippines - As alleged drug pushers turned up dead in the past days, police are investigating the death of a 32-year-old man whose killer or killers left a note at the crime scene labeling him as a drug pusher and pimp.

The latest death came in the wake of killings of alleged drug pushers, following president-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of all-out war against drug traffickers.

The victim, Tristan Badon Berja, alias “Tantan” and “Kuba,” was found with three gunshot wounds at 2:40 a.m. yesterday in Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City.

A handwritten note on bond paper, presumably left by the unidentified suspect or suspects, called the victim a pusher, pimp and thief.

A witness said she was awakened by sounds of gunfire outside her house. When she came out to check, she saw the victim lying on the ground.

Recovered at the scene of the crime were two cartridges.

Investigators said the victim died of gunshots to his right chest, left nape and right ear.

Police Senior Insp. Elmer Monsalve, head of the homicide section of the Quezon City police, said they are still checking if the victim had a criminal record.

He said the handwritten note left by the suspects may have been intended to mislead investigators.

Meanwhile, another shooting death was reported at a market in Barangay Commonwealth Sunday night.

Alwahid Camora, 21, was found slumped on the ground with two gunshot wounds in the head by responding police inside the Gatmaitan Market at around 7:15 p.m. on Sunday.

He was identified through his student driver’s permit. Monsalve said there appeared to be no connection between the two cases.