Pubdate: Wed, 23 Mar 2005
Source: Mindanao Times (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Mindanao Times.
Contact:  http://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2980
Author: JGD
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Davao+Death+Squad
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

SHOT AT DOORSTEP

Drug Surrenderee Nailed by Hitmen

Two unidentified persons gunned down a man and wounded his elder
brother right at the doorstep of their shanty 7:30 last night at Brgy
37-D, Quezon Boulevard, bringing the number of victims of the
vigilante-style of killings at 58.

Initial investigation conducted by the Sta Ana Police Station
identified the victims as Gerardo Abelong, 38, single, jobless and his
elder brother Renato, 39, all residents of the same place

Gerardo sustained several bullet wounds in the head, while Renato, who
was hit on the right thigh was rushed to the Davao Medical Center.

PO1 Eric Ramirez investigator of Sta. Ana Police Precinct told the
Mindanao Times two persons with medium build, wearing bull caps and
jackets were seen fleeing on foot from the crime scene towards Quezon
Boulevard, after three successive gun bursts.

"We presume that the perpetrators deliberately entered the premises
and shot the victims right at the doorstep because of the nearness of
the body to the door," he said.

Tony Villa, brgy. councilor of Brgy. 37-D confirmed to the Mindanao
Times, Abelong surrendered to authorities after Mayor Rodrigo Duterte
called on drug users to surrender so that they will not be harmed.

"Gerardo used to report to the barangay as a policy of the city hall
to monitor and to give financial aid to drug surrenderees in the
community," he said.

Villa believed Gerardo slid back to the drug trade because of the lack
of livelihood opportunities.

Scene of the crime operatives recovered three spent shells near the
body of the victim.

The motive and identity of the perpetrators are still being determined
by the authorities. 
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