3 persons on drug watch list killed in Pasay

Three persons allegedly involved in illegal drugs were killed by motorcycleriding gunmen in separate shooting incidents in Pasay City early this week.

Chief Inspector Rolando Baula, head of city police’s Station Investigation and Detective Management Branch (SIDMB), identified the victims as Jaylord Clemente, 33, and his live-in partner Marlyn Cortez, 33, residents of No. 6 Cessna St., Riverside, Brgy. 190; and Christopher Suasin, 41, of No. 2145 Waling Waling St., Pildera 1, Brgy. 192.

Initial investigation disclosed that Clemente and Cortez were shot around 2:30 a.m. yesterday along Cessna Street.

Barangay Captain Jesus Barbers said he was inside the barangay hall when he heard a series of gunshots.

Minutes later, a concerned citizen reported that they saw two people were slumped along Cessna Street, who turned out to be the Clemente and Cortez.

Barbers claimed he saw two men wearing full face helmet and a mask sped off onboard a motorcycle without registration plates.

Police said Clemente died on the spot due to four gunshot wounds to the body while Cortez, who sustained three gunshot wounds, was rushed to Pasay City General Hospital but died upon arrival.

Barangay records confirm that Clemente and Cortez were both involved in illegal drug activities.

The relatives of the victims also admitted that Clemente was detained for four years at the Parañaque City Jail for selling drugs.

Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) found four empty shells of a caliber .45 pistol and three empty shells from .9mm pistol.

Meanwhile, Suasin was riddled with bullets around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday night while he was sleeping inside his house.

Police said two gunmen barged inside Suasin’s house and shot him five times in the body.

Lira Shappit, Suasin’s live in partner, said the suspects hurriedly left their house after the incident.

When Shappit was sure that the gunmen were gone, she rushed her partner to Protacio General Hospital but he was declared dead on arrival.

Barangay officials said Suasin, a known drug pusher, was included in their barangay watch list for his involvement in illegal drugs.

SOCO found five cartridge cases of .9mm pistol at the crime scene.

Police are now conducting follow-up probe on the two incidents.

Philippine National Police records show that more than 1,000 drug-related deaths perpetrated by unidentified gunmen were already recorded since President Rodrigo Duterte was elected last July.