Drug suspects also killers for hire?

CEBU, Philippines - Three of the four men, including Joseph Gañolon who was killed in a shootout in Barangay Balud, Dalaguete town, were not only drug pushers but also suspected hired killers, said PO3 Reynaldo Solante of the Provincial Intelligence Branch.

Solante who headed the arrest of the suspects last Saturday claimed that Joseph, 27, of Barangay Nalhug was responsible for several shooting incidents in southern Cebu, but the families of the victims failed to file charges against him. 

The policeman said Joseph’s younger brother “Jojo” and Brian Carali are also hired killers.

During police interrogation, Jojo, who was the subject of the operation, alleged that it was his brother who had contacts of other pushers and he was only given a portion of shabu to be sold.

“Bisan ang ilang si-lingan ngadto identified gyud ni nga sila ra gyud kaubana,” Solante told The FREEMAN.

Carali, 23, a native of Negros Oriental and temporarily residing in Barangay Balud and Loriano Heredia, 23 of Barangay Nalhug were also arrested during what was supposed to be a buy-bust operation.

Even if Heredia alleged that he was only a gaff maker and the errand boy of the group, Solante said he will be included in the charges.

It was Carali who first shot at operatives upon noticing their presence when the poseur-buyer was about to make a transaction.

“Siya gyud ang una unya nakabantay si Joseph maong gibirahan na mi,” Solante added that they were left with no choice but to return fire which resulted to Joseph’s death. Jojo was shot in his left thigh.

Three large packs, two medium-sized packs and 36 small sachets of shabu amounting to P120,000 including several drug paraphernalia, three .357 cal. revolvers, a .45 cal. pistol, bullets, several money transfer receipts, P2,000 cash, a live hand grenade, and three notebooks containing various lists of names and “collectibles” were recovered from the house of the suspects.

Based on the information gathered by the operatives, both brothers are suspected behind the killing of Victorino Torino, 53, of Barangay Poblacion, Badian. Torino was driving a vehicle-for-hire that was ambushed on August 9 in Alcantara town.

The incident also injured a passenger Wilbert Timplado, 26, of Barangay Bala, Moalboal town, who was hit in his upper left ear.

Solante said suspects will be subjected to more questioning this week.

Violations for Sections 11 and 12 of RA9165, RA 8294 and RA9156 will be filed before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office this week against Jojo who is jailed at the Consolacion police stockade as well as Carali and Heredia who are detained at the Liloan police stockade. — (FREEMAN)