Cops suspect a drug deal gone wrong

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A 34-year-old man was seriously wounded after he was shot while trying to check-in at a local motel Sunday night in Barangay Singcang-Airport, Bacolod City.

Police identified the victim as Virgilio Lopez, a resident of Barangay Guinhalaran, Silay City.

Police Station 8 investigators said they suspect the shooting may have stemmed from a drug deal gone bad as they recovered a .22 caliber revolver, six sachets of suspected shabu, and drug paraphernalia from Lopez when he was rushed to a local hospital.

Based on initial accounts given to investigators, Lopez, along with a friend, identified as Jean Coyuka, arrived at the motel to check-in for the evening. However, as they were checking-in, the gunman, later identified as Ian Rodrigazo of Barangay Villamonte, arrived and talked with Lopez.

The talk reportedly escalated into an argument with Rodrigazo allegedly pulling out a firearm and shooting Lopez five times before escaping.

Police recovered six empty .38 caliber shells from the crime scene.

Lopez is currently admitted at the Bacolod Adventist Medical Center and is under careful watch by police as he faces illegal possession of firearms and possession of illegal drugs charges./DGB, WDJ