Largo’s “cohort” shot dead in Talisay

CEBU, Philippines – An alleged cohort of Talisay City’s most wanted person died while another was wounded after they were shot by police who were serving a warrant of arrest in Sitio Craser, Barangay Lawaan 3, Talisay City, Saturday afternoon.

Daryl Dijan, 28, died from gunshot wounds on his hip and foot, while his cousin, Joshua Tabera, 27, was wounded on the foot. Police Senior Inspector Irvin Bellen of Regional Intelligence Division (RID) said Dijan’s death may have been caused by blood loss.

Operatives went to the area to serve a standing warrant of arrest against Tabera for violations against Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Police also received reports about Dijan’s consistent indiscriminate firing in the area.

Bellen said that their main objective for the operation was to arrest Dijan and Tabera to gather information about the whereabouts of their leader, Jessie Largo, the prime suspect in the killing of Jhon Ronli Calizar, son of Philippine Information Agency information officer, Ferliza Contratista

Police went to arrest Tabera after they received reports that Largo was in the area.

Upon their arrival, however, operatives noticed that the two were armed which prompted them to fire against the suspects to neutralize the situation.

Recovered from the suspects during the operation were two units of a .45 caliber pistol, 5 grams of suspected shabu and drug paraphernalia.

Bellen said that both suspects were reportedly involved in robbery and are members of a gun-for-hire group with Largo.

“Kasama niya sa mga operation nila, during sa mga ano robbery at gun-for hire at saka mga death under investigation natin diyan sa Talisay, not just sa Talisay pati na din sa Region,” said Bellen.

Calizar was shot dead while asleep in the apartment of Largo’s ex-girlfriend in Sitio Calmar, Barangay Lawaan, Talisay City, last August 26.

Bellen also said that they have received reports that Largo has police contacts.

“Possible na nakakatunog siya… We cannot discount na may mga kakilala nga siyang mga police baka nagtitimbre sa kanya,” said Bellen.

Police Superintendent Jonathan Cabal, RID chief also said that they are verifying these reports.

Based on police information, Largo is still in Cebu but is constantly changing locations to avoid capture. —/JBB (FREEMAN)