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. - ---