Attack vs. suspect wounds girl, 3

Main target of assailant survives multiple gunshot wounds; PRO 7 orders investigation

The main target of the three culprits, Michael Agbay Molina, was in critical condition for multiple gunshot wounds

A THREE-YEAR-OLD girl landed in the hospital after she was hit by a bullet intended for a suspected drug personality in Barangay Casili, Consolacion last Monday night.

Daenerys Jaihanna Catagena suffered a gunshot wound in her right leg. She survived the incident.

Consolacion Police Chief Senior Insp. William Homoc said the girl was rushed to a private hospital in Mandaue City. She is already out of danger.

The main target of the three culprits, Michael Agbay Molina, was in critical condition after he suffered multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a private hospital in Consolacion.

The condition of Molina stabilized yesterday. He is allegedly a level three drug pusher who can dispose of 30 grams of shabu per week.

Last Sept. 11, a 16-yearold girl was among the three persons shot to death by two unknown assassins in Barangay Punta Princesa, Cebu City.

As of Sept. 20, the PRO 7 recorded 105 drug pushers killed in legitimate police operations, while 123 were killed by unidentified men mostly riding on motorcycles.

Police chief

Since he sat as the town’s police chief last Aug. 22, Homoc said four drug personalities had been shot by unidentified gunmen.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Director Noli Taliño said the police did not con- duct an operation against Molina and he has ordered a thorough investigation on the incident.

For his part, Homoc said there are no police officers deployed as mercenaries.

“There are no vigilantes in the town,” he said in a phone interview.

Homoc said Molina’s enemies in the illegal drug trade are behind the attack.

“His relatives told me that he went back to the illegal drug trade. He did not listen to their advice,” he said.

Self-confessed

Molina, 35, was one of the self-confessed drug pushers who surrendered to the police during Oplan Tokhang, but allegedly did not stop his illegal activities.

He is included in the new list of top ten drug personalities allegedly operating in the municipality.

Investigators found 11 empty shells and two deformed slugs of a .45 pistol at the crime scene.

Before he was shot at 7:45 p.m., Molina was standing near a barbecue stand. The perpetrators later arrived on motorcycle and opened fire at him.

Catagena was reportedly buying something at a store when she was hit by a stray bullet in the leg.

Witnesses told the police that the perpetrators wore black jackets and full-faced helmets. The motorcycle had no license plates.

Homoc said they are still trying to identify the perpetrators.