By CESAR JOLITO III

Authorities have arrested four individuals, including two suspected gun-for-hire operatives, in connection with the killing of a police informant in Bacolod City.

The suspects — identified only by their aliases “Tony,” 42 years old, of Barangay Bata; “Win,” 39 years old, of Barangay Vista Alegre; “No,” 54 years old, and “Jov,” 39 years old, a construction worker, both residents of Barangay Taculing — were apprehended on Good Friday, April 3, in Barangay Taculing’s Purok Gonzaga.

Their arrest came less than 24 hours after the fatal shooting incident.

Police investigations revealed that “Tony” is listed as a high-value individual in illegal drugs, while “Win” is categorized as a street-level drug personality.

Authorities also believe both men are involved in gun-for-hire activities and were responsible for the killing of an alleged police informant, 29-year-old alias “Bebe,” who was shot dead on Thursday night, April 2, in Barangay Banago’s Purok Maabi-abihon.

Investigators said the motive behind the killing was linked to the victim’s alleged role as a police informant.

According to Police Station 3 commander, Police Captain Rosalino Pugoy Jr., the suspects were tracked down through intensified intelligence operations, leading authorities to their hideout.

The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region confirmed that “Tony” and “Win” both have previous arrests related to illegal drugs.

The suspect, known as “No,” also has a prior jail record and is considered a known drug personality.

During the operation, authorities recovered around 60 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P408,800, along with several firearms, ammunition, and P350 in cash./CJ, WDJ