Pubdate: Mon, 06 Jun 2005
Source: Sunstar Davao (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Sunstar
Contact:  http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1991
Note:  also listed for feedback
Author: Joy G. Romares
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Summary+Execution
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Davao+Death+Squad
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

VIGILANTES KILL COUSIN OF JAILED DRUG LEADER

A MAN, who was said to be the cousin of a detained alleged leader of
an illegal drugs syndicate in Jasa, Panacan in Davao City, was shot
dead by unidentified gunmen in Km. 11, Sasa, Saturday afternoon.

Police Officer 3 Alfredo Heliane, homicide investigator of the Sasa
police precinct, identified the victim as one Asad Mohammad Salih, 38,
native of Sirib in Calinan, and resident of Jasa, Kilometers 13, Panacan.

Salih was the 95th victim killed by the shadowy vigilante group Davao
Death Squad since January this year. He was the 5th victim gunned down
this month.

Investigation conducted by Heliane showed that the incident happened
at around 4:30 p.m. while Salih was onboard his bicycle on his way to
Sasa public market when he was followed by two motorcycles with three
unidentified men onboard.

When Salih reached the vicinity of Maribeth Store in Km. 11, one of
the men, a backrider, pulled out a gun and shot Salih in the chest and
head.

Police recovered three empty shells of a caliber .45 pistol at the
scene of crime.

Heliane said Salih is the cousin of Aldam Salih, an alleged leader of
a drug syndicate arrested in Panabo City last year.

"Salih is the cousin of Aldam Salih, the leader of drug syndicate in
Km. 13, Jasa, Panacan, who was arrested on August 2004 in Panabo City,
and is now detained," Heliane said.

Meanwhile, Heliane said they are conducting further investigation to
know whether Salih belongs to Aldam's group.

Heliane added they will also check whether the 94th victim killed in
Panacan is also member of the group.

Salih's killing came after one Rommel Mendiola, 30, of Jacona,
Panacan, this city.

"We got information that Salih and Mendiola of Jacona were involved in
illegal drugs and that they were together in that business, but we
still need to verify it," Heliane said.

Mendiola was gunned down at around 11:30 a.m. while gambling outside
his house. 
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