CEBU CITY — Just a day before the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) election period begins, a village councilman was shot dead by an unknown assailant along Gen. Maxilom Ave. here at past 1 a.m. Friday.
Barangay San Isidro Councilor Neil Abella, 45, of San Fernando, Cebu, died inside his Honda Fit car after the gunman suddenly appeared and fired several shots at him and his companion, Eric Alesna, who was hit on his arm.
Homicide investigators said the incident happened right after Abella and Alesna boarded the car after they came from a fast-food joint in the area.
Cebu City Police Director, Senior Supt. Joel Doria, said they are looking into the alleged involvement of Abella in the illegal drugs trade as a possible motive behind the killing.
The barangay councilor allegedly had ties with self-confessed drug lord Franz Sabalones, also from San Fernando, Cebu.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group 7 (Central Visayas) and the San Fernando Police raided Abella’s residence last January but no evidence was found.
Alesna, who was rushed to a nearby private hospital for medical treatment, hails from Carcar City.
The Carcar Police is conducting a background check on the wounded victim.
Responding policemen recovered drug paraphernalia, a disposable lighter, and a mobile phone from Abella’s car. (PNA)
