‘Staunch anti-illegal drugs crusader’ killed in Caloocan City

MANILA, Philippines — A “purok” (community) leader, seen as a crusader against illegal drugs in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, was shot dead by a still unidentified man in his rented stall in Phase 1 in the same city early Monday.

Eduardo Magtalas, 58, also of Bagong Silang, was shot in the head while he was sleeping at his “lugawan” (rice porridge) stall.

The gunman immediately fled on foot afterwards.

Senior Superintendent Bartolome Bustmante, Caloocan City chief of police, said Magtalas was a staunch advocate of the campaign against illegal drugs and was the local government’s active partner in reporting and monitoring drug trade in the area.

“He is one of the leaders concerned in informing the police about the suspected drug addicts and eradication of illegal drugs,” 7he added.

Bustamante said the police has been looking into his advocacy against illegal drugs and his work as a purok leader as two of the possible motives behind his murder. “But definitely, it’s not politics-related,” he added.

Bagong Silang is one of the city’s priority areas for drug clearing operations, according to Bustamante.

The Caloocan police have started reviewing connections of possible drug suspects arrested through information received from the victim, the city police chief said.

A manhunt has been launched to arrest the gunman.  SFM