PDEA agent shot dead near Capitol

CEBU, Philippines — An agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency was shot dead by two unidentified assailants onboard a motorcycle late afternoon yesterday on Villalon Drive, Capitol Site in Cebu City, just a few meters from the Cebu Provincial Capitol compound.

Baby “Earl” Rallos, assistant operations chief at PDEA-7 and a former mediaman, was on his way home from PDEA-7 office shortly after 5 p.m. when perpetrators fired shots at the left part of his gray Toyota Altis upon reaching the intersection of Villalon.

A witness told The FREEMAN that Rallos was able to alight from his vehicle through the passenger side but his attackers, who were not wearing masks, helmets, or bonnets, went back to him and shot him several times.

The witness said it was the backrider, wearing black jacket and maong pants, who shot Rallos. After the incident, the two then sped off towards the direction of Barangay Kalunasan.  At least 18 empty shells of caliber .45 and two slugs were retrieved from the crime scene.

Rallos was reportedly unable to retaliate at his assailants, who may have also taken away his 9mm service firearm as it was no longer found in its holster.

His wife, who rushed to the scene in horror, was unavailable for interview.

According to Inspector Greg Ybiernas, a habal-habal driver identified as Marcelo Autentico, 35, was also hit in the face by a stray bullet and was brought to the hospital.

Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, deputy mayor for police matters, told reporters that the motive in the killing is still a subject of investigation.

Part of the investigation is to check whether there were CCTV cameras nearby that were able to capture the shooting.

Tumulak, who was Rallos’ colleague back when they were still working for Cebu media, said that from initial inquiry, it appeared that the assailants knew Rallos would pass by the area.

Rallos first worked for several media outfits in Cebu before deciding to enter PDEA. He once was the news director of dySS radio station.

Chief Inspector Maria Theresa Macatangay, chief of Abellana Police Station, said Rallos’ line of duty is among the angles being considered in their probe, although other possible motives are not discounted.

She added that they will check the cases previously and presently handled by Rallos, especially the sensational ones.

Back in March, Rallos’ brother, Irkhie, 42, was among those arrested in a buy-bust operation in Sitio Bliss, Barangay Labangon. That time, Supt. Christopher Navida, chief of Cebu City Police Intelligence Branch, said Irkhie was not included in their drug watchlist.

Irkhie, an alleged drug user, reportedly underwent a drug rehabilitation program but went his illegal ways after and eventually got arrested in the operation.

The death of his brother just came just a day after Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma urged the Catholic faithful to pray for an end to the spate of killings that has gripped Cebu in anxiety for the past few weeks. —  JMD (FREEMAN)