By Martin Sadongdong
A drug suspect who recently got out of jail was shot dead by an unidentified assailant in Candelaria, Quezon Tuesday morning.
(Jun Ryan Arañas / MANILA BULLETIN)
Police Colonel Osmundo De Guzman, director of Quezon Police Provincial Office (PPO), identified the victim as Rodel Comia alias "Ulo," 41, of Purok 4, Barangay Mangilag Sur.
Initial investigation revealed that Comia was walking along Maharlika Highway in Barangay Mangilag Sur around 6:20 a.m. when the assailant shot him point blank.
Police said De Guzman died on the spot after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds in the head and body.
Meanwhile, the suspect fled towards an unknown direction, police added.
De Guzman urged residents in the area to come forward and give details that could help in the police investigation.
However, De Guzman said investigators were having a hard time gathering pieces of evidence since residents seemed afraid to talk.
According to the provincial police chief, Comia was a known drug personality in the area.
He was apprehended on April 15, 2018 due to a drug-related charge and released just last December 20, 2018 through a plea bargaining agreement.
Aside from a drug case, he also has an on-going case for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act after being arrested on February 25, 2017. He was currently on bail for the said charge.
De Guzman said a follow-up investigation and pursuit operation has been conducted by the Candelaria Municipal Police Station to identify and apprehend the assailant.