UNSOLVED KILLINGS. This sikad driver, Dante Garcia was just one of the extrajudicial killing victims in Butuan City in this month of June alone. Screenshot of video courtesy of RMN-DXBC Butuan
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ANOTHER prominent citizen was killed in Butuan City on the heels of the Philippine National Police’s renewed drive to intensify the war on drugs with its so-called “Double Barrel: Endgame Strategy.”

After the shooting death of popular basketball player Jerry John Apas on June 16 in Barangay Ongyui, an SK chairman of Barangay Lumbocan, Butuan City met his untimely demise at the hands of still unknown gunmen.

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The youthful Nelbert Gacosta fell dead when the armed culprits fired at him on the night of June 21 in Purok 7, Barangay Masao, barely five days after Apas’ brutal killing where the town’s basketball hero sustained at least seven bullet wounds.

“Sad news for our brethren! Our Brother, Brod Nelbert Gacosta, SK Chairman of Lumbocan, Butuan City has been shot dead late this evening of June 21, 2022. This incident is unacceptable and the perpetrator must be put to justice as soon as possible! Brod to Brod!

Blood for blood! JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED!” Gacosta’s affiliated group, the Sigma Omega Beta’s Grand Fraternity, and Sorority took to social media in expressing their grievances.

There was no cardboard placed near Gacosta’s body unlike in Apas’ case where the perpetrators announced with its marking “Drug adik, salot sa lipunan.”

Walay karatola ug mensahe but initial investigation naa kunoy previous involvement ang biktima sa E-Sabong ug drugs-related matter, pero wala pay official nga pamahayag ang PNP-Butuan,” RMN-DXBC Butuan reporter Dondon Aliguay told Gold Star Daily.

Early this month, a sikad driver identified as Dante Garcia also succumbed when a motorcycle-riding assailant shot him four times at noon in the Fort Payohon area of Butuan City.

To this, Butuan City Councilor, lawyer Ehrnest John Sanchez ― who is chairman of the committee on police and public safety ― has strongly condemned the spate of killings in the locality.

“I am a true believer of the rule of law and the right to due process possessed by any individual. Walay balaod nga nag-ingun nga ang tao if makasala patyon, kundi ang balaod nagsugo nga ang nakasala dakpon ug kasohan. I am respectfully urging our govt authorities in charge of the investigation to act swiftly in bringing those responsible to justice. As an old adage says, justice delayed is justice denied,” wrote Sanchez as he noted that Butuan residents are already scared of the surge of unsolved violence in the city.

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