Drug war: 1 killed in Cagayan

TUGUEGARAO , Philippines   – A drug suspect who surrendered to authorities last year was shot dead by motorcycle-riding men here on Saturday.

Ambrosio Velasco, 41, was declared dead on arrival at the De Leon Clinic due to gunshots to the head and chest, according to city police chief Superintendent Edward Guzman.

Authorities are verifying if Velasco’s killing was related to an attempt on the life of Jerry Quilang, chairman of the nearby Barangay Linao West.

 Quilang, whom probers said was on the police drug list, survived an attack by motorcycle-riding men in Barangay Caritan on Thursday.

Meanwhile, in Bacolod City, witnesses have positively identified the suspect in the killing of the father and brother of a controversial drug personality.

Police said Wilfredo Serenio, 53, and his son Wilmar, 31, were killed by the same person.

The elder Serenio was shot dead last week and Wilmar last month a few meters away from their home in Barangay Singcang in this city.        

Wilfredo and Wilmar were the father and brother, respectively, of Ricky Serenio, who linked more than 40 police officers to the illegal drug trade.

Ricky was released from jail two months ago, after posting P720,000 bail for illegal possession of firearms and explosives as well as grave coercion charges.

City police chief Senior Superintendent Jack Wanky refused to identify the gunman until after charges are filed in court.

Two police officers are securing the Serenio family and other witnesses.

The more than 40 police officers whom Ricky tagged in the illegal drug trade have been assigned to Mindanao and the Cordilleras.

Most of the officers did not report to their new assignments and have been marked AWOL or absent without leave.