‘Faceless killers’ claim 16 since Feb

CEBU, Philippines — At least 16 people died in the hands of unidentified gunmen in Cebu since February and all of these killings remain unsolved.

Most of the victims are either law enforcers or politicians believed to be involved or linked to illegal drug trade. On February 19, Ronda vice mayor Jonnah John Ungab was shot dead by two unidentified assailants while driving his car along S. Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City.

Ungab was the lawyer of self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa. In fact, he came from the promulgation of judgment in one of the cases of Espinosa when he was ambushed. Almost a month later, San Fernando councilor Alexander Alicaway also suffered the same fate in the hands of ‘faceless assassins’ in Barangay South Poblacion.

A lone gunman also killed former Talisay City councilor Emilio ‘Emil’ Go inside their family compound at Mansueto Village, Barangay Bulacao, Talisay City barely a week after Alicaway’s. The other victims are Barangay San Isidro, San Fernando councilman Niel Abella, Barangay councilman Marcelo Roslinda of Esperanza, San Francisco; Barangay Calamba, Cebu City councilman Hildibrando Ygonia; Kalunasan, Cebu City councilman Roel Mabano; former barangay councilman Glenn Mark Manal of Lorega-San Miguel, Cebu City; and Lagtang, Talisay City councilman Art Stephen Bas.

Several former and active police officers have also been killed.  Among them were Senior Police Officer 1 Ben Serohijos, Police Officer 2 Kenneth Pogoy, PO3 Jonathan Tilos, PO2 Melchizedek Batomalaque, and PO1 Avita Sarzuelo. Few weeks ago former policeman Armando Lozano was injured after two unidentified gunmen shot him while attending a school program in Barangay Labangon, Cebu City.

The latest victim was Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) – 7 agent Baby “Earl” Rallos who died in an ambush last Friday. The continued unsolved killings in Cebu have already alarmed local officials.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III has urged the police to "step up" in protecting the citizens and solving the series killings. Davide shared Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s sentiments on the issue.

"This is really alarming na gyud. I hope our police organization here will do something about that," Davide said

The governor suggested for the PNP to form a task force solely to look into the series of killings in Cebu. He vowed to bring the matter before the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), which he heads.

"Let's not rely on the police pud solely. The community as well should also be watchful," he said. (FREEMAN)