Pubdate: Tue, 17 May 2005
Source: Sun.Star Cebu (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Sun.Star
Contact:  http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1690
Author: JST
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Summary+Execution
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

ANOTHER CRIME SUSPECT KILLED VIGILANTE-STYLE; SHOT THREE TIMES

A suspected drug pusher was gunned down, vigilante-style, at an
illegal cockfight in Barangay Tejero, Cebu City Sunday afternoon.

A lone masked gunman, who mingled with the crowd, shot Serafin Salazar
Jr., 39, three times then fled on a motorcycle.

Police said Salazar, also known as Brutus Barrientos in the illegal
drug trade, was the target of a buy-bust last year but eluded arrest.
The victim also allegedly engaged in house robberies.

Salazar, though, had no crime record at the city jail.

He died of multiple gunshot wounds in the head and at the back of his
body after the gunman shot him inside an illegal cockpit on
Villagonzalo St., Barangay Tejero, Cebu City at 5 p.m. last Sunday.

Salazar, of F. Villa St., Barangay Sto. Nino, was the 54th victim to
fall since the rash of killings began last Dec. 22. Most of the
victims had crime records and some were allegedly involved in the
illegal drug trade.

Just as in the previous incidents, witnesses in last Sunday's killing
said the perpetrator wore a cloth mask and a helmet. The gunman used a
motorcycle as a getaway vehicle.

Responding operatives from the Crime Suppression Unit and homicide
police investigators led by PO3 Bobby Escarlan recovered two empty
shells of a .45 pistol at the crime scene.

Investigators said Salazar was in Tejero to help facilitate an illegal
cockfight, or tigbakay, in the area.

While Salazar was busy canvassing for bettors, the gunman, who mingled
with the crowd, casually approached the victim and shot him thrice.

Salazar died on the spot. His body was taken to St. Peter Funeral
Homes for autopsy.

Salazar had no records at the Bagong Buhay Rehabilitation Center, but
Vice Control Section (VCS) Chief George Ylanan told reporters
yesterday that the victim was a level-two category drug pusher.

A level-two drug pusher is one who could dispose of at least 200 grams
of shabu per week.

Salazar was also reportedly involved in robberies, particularly the
Akyat-Bahay gang. 
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