City police operatives are looking closely on drug trade as the closest motive behind the murder of a former barangay kagawad who was arrested early last month in connection with his involvement in drugs.

City PNP chief  George Vale confirmed that Mateo Levi “Boy” Baseleres was arrested by operatives prior his murder last Friday evening along M. Parras st., Poblacion III, just across Hilltop Kinder School. Two unidentified motor riding suspects pulled the trigger which proved fatal to the barangay official. He was 56.
The  victim was dead on the spot sustaining wounds on his head. He was back-riding with a certain Linda dela Peña who drove the single motorcycle on their way to dine in a nearby restaurant past 7 o’clock Friday evening.

Recovered from the crime scene were empty shells of .9mm caliber of firearm believed to be used by the assailant and cash pf P38,000.

Baseleres who got arrested twice on drugs possession reportedly came from a  cock fight in Dauis town

Meanwhile,  a certain Arnel Nesli Ciruela, 22, single, and jobless and resident of urok 6, barangay Catarman was shot to death Friday afternoon by a masked man.

The victim was watching billiard game inside a house owned by Sally Raneses Migueles in purok 3 of said barangay when the gunman got inside and pulled the trigger pointing to the victim.

Municipal health officer declared the victim dead after sustaining fatal head injuries, police said. His remains were brought to a funeral home, police said.

Scene of Crime Operatives (SOCO) led by PInsp Abregana who conducted the initial investigation  saw gunshot wounds at the back and right portion of his head which doctors said could be fatal.”