Ex-cop shot dead

CEBU, Philippines — A former policeman was shot dead by three unknown suspects in Purok 8, sitio Care, Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City on Sunday night, July 23, 2023.

The victim was identified as Aaron Estarte, 41, a resident of Purok 3, sitio Lupa in the said barangay and was dismissed from the service due to his involvement in illegal drugs.

The victim suffered gunshot wounds on his head, left chest and right arm resulting in his death.

According to the police report, the three suspects in the shooting of the victim ran towards Escario Street after the crime was committed.

According to Police Lt. Col. Janette Rafter, deputy director for operations of the Cebu City Police Office, that Estarte's last assignment was in the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB)-7 in 2017.

But that same year he was dismissed from the service after being caught in a buy-bust operation by Abellana Police Station 2 in violation of Sections 5, 11 and 12 of Republic Act 9165.

He was released from the Cebu City Jail Male-Dormitory in the month of March in the year 2021.

Meanwhile, Police Major Mark Don Alfred Leanza, chief of Abellana Police Station 2, said that one of the angles they are following in this crime is Estarte's involvement in illegal drugs.

Leanza also informed that they already have persons of interest in the incident but did not give more information first so as not to disrupt the investigation. —  (FREEMAN)