CANDELARIA, Quezon – A 34-year-old man allegedly involved in the illegal drugs trade was shot dead by his cousin in Sitio Kalye Onse, Barangay Sta. Catalina Norte, this town, Tuesday, July 19.
Police Lt. Col. Phyrone Valenzona, police chief here, identified the victim as Michael Sarmiento de Los Santos, a resident of Sitio Kalye Onse.
The suspect, Elmer Alcantara, also of Sitio Kalye Onse, was seen by responding police riding a bicycle a few meters away from the crime scene.
Police called his attention and asked him what he was doing at that time.
Lawmen noticed that Alcantara was nervous and pale until residents informed them that he shot De los Santos. Police arrested the suspect.
Investigation showed that the victim was walking on a dark alley on his way home when the suspect suddenly appeared at 10:40 p.m. Tuesday, July 19. Alcantara drew a gun and shot the victim dead.
Valenzona added that the victim was involved in the illegal drugs trade and police believed that the motive behind the killing is possibly related to drug trading.
Police said murder charges will be filed against the suspect before the Office of the Prosecutor.