Davao sees 5th killing in week

DAVAO CITY—Motorcycle-riding men on Friday shot dead another suspected criminal here, the fifth victim since Wednesday.

Rolly Magaso, 37, was walking near the University of Immaculate Conception on Bonifacio Street at noon Friday when he was fired at by one of two suspects.

Magaso’s neighbors in Barangay 33-D said the victim was suspected of involvement in robberies in the area, and selling illegal drugs.

Investigation by the Sta. Ana police showed the victim was approached by the gunman who shot him without hesitation. The suspect fled on a waiting motorcycle driven by another man.

Chief Insp. Milgrace Driz, spokesperson of the city police said police were talking to witnesses.

On Wednesday, three persons—Veejay Calacat, 21; Roger Mora, 21, and Mike Joseph Lee Castillo—were shot dead near the UIC  Bajada campus by unidentified men on motorcycles.

All were armed

Chief Insp. Alfredo Miguel, Buhangin police station commander, said five suspects were involved, all armed with handguns.

The three victims were suspected of involvement in illegal drugs.

Also on Wednesday, Magdaleno Deparado, 34, was shot dead while inside an Internet shop in Barangay Maa.

Police said Deparado was involved in the illegal drug trade and was out on bail.

Driz confirmed all five victims had criminal records.

“We are doing our best to identify and arrest the suspects,” she said.

On the day Magaso was killed, a policeman and his girl friend were arrested by city police following a buy-bust operation in Barangay Matina Aplaya.

Driz said PO3 Gomer Reforma Jr., a member of the regional police band, and his girlfriend, Missy Tañola, were caught in a pot session inside an inn in the village.