CIDG agent shot dead

COTABATO CITY – Motorcycle-riding gunmen shot dead with assault rifles a bemedalled agent of the Criminal Investigation and Detection group, who was implicated in some 30 alleged “rubout” of dreaded criminals, in a gangland style execution at a busy spot here at past 10 a.m. yesterday.

Investigators said the suspects were seen trailing SPO1 Bonifacio Sales, Jr., who was riding a black motorcycle, when they shot him from behind with M-16 assault rifles, killing him on the spot.

One of the suspects even pulled over, took the .45 caliber pistol of Sales from his waist, and shot him with the same gun thrice before escaping.

“It appears the gunmen were so angry with him that they made sure he’s really dead,” said Senior Superintendent Willie Dangane, director of the Cotabato City police.

Sales first started his colorful police career as a lowly policeman under the city’s police force and, subsequently, as a member of the CIDG in Region 11.

Sales was popular here for his role in past high-profile anti-kidnapping missions, where he has neutralized more than 20 wanted kidnappers, among them rougue secessionist guerillas.   – John Unson