2 PUMs killed in Argao

CEBU, Philippines —  Two Persons Under Monitoring (PUM )for COVID-19 were shot dead while sitting outside a house in Barangay Alambijud in the southern town of Argao in Cebu around 7 p.m., on Thursday, April 2, 2020.

The victims were identified as Renato Sotto Evangelista, 26, of Barangay Labogon, Mandaue City and Dexter Lagi Ronamo, 29, of Loboc, Bohol.

Police Captain Elstone Dabon, the chief of the Argao Police Station, said both Evangelista and Ronamo were sitting outside the house owned by Ronamo’s relative when a man wearing a black bonnet and jacket arrived and shot the victims. The suspect sped away immediately.

Based on initial investigation, Evangelista was in jail in the past for drugs but was out on bail through a plea bargain agreement.

Dabon said the victims were considered PUMs due to their travel history. They arrived in Argao from Mandaue City on March 26 shortly before the province was placed under ECQ.

Evangelista stayed at the house of Ronamo’s relative. Ronamo, meanwhile, was trying to find a job.

Dabon said they are looking at all angles in the investigation but said the killing has nothing to do in 'any way' with COVID-19.

The police, however, are not discounting the possibility that the incident may be connected to the illegal drugs trade.

"Maybe. We are also considering  that factor. All angles amo gitan-aw ron  Di pa ko kaingon na drugs-related sad jud," Dabon said.

Found in the crime scene were six empty shells of an M16 rifle.  JMO (FREEMAN)