Cagayan top drug lord gunned down

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines – As the campaign against illegal drugs steps up under the incoming Duterte government, one of the most wanted drug personalities in a Cagayan town was killed by unidentified gunmen last Monday, June 6.

Reports reaching the office of the Cagayan Police Provincial Director Ronaldo Olay said Rodelyn Umoquit, 40, was ambushed in Pattao village in Buguey town while he was driving his Nissan van.

In a phone interview, Police Senior Inspector Ronnie Labbao, information officer of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Cagayan, identified Umoquit as one of the top 3 most wanted drug lords on the list of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Buguey. 

Labbao said Umoquit was still able to flee after he sustained gunshot wounds, but later bumped his van into a village marker.

Residents appeared scared to help him until his brother arrived and brought him to a public hospital in the nearby town, where he was proclaimed dead on arrival.

Labbao said police recovered bullet shells of M16 armalite rifle in the crime scene.

Incoming President-elect Rodrigo Duterte vowed to put an end to the illegal drugs trade in the Philippines, and told the police that they may kill drug lords and dealers who resist arrest.

Duterte also warned policemen involved in illegal drugs: “I’ll kill you.” – Rappler.com