Philippine National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas
MANILA – A drug suspect who evaded arrest in a drug-bust that netted 20 kilograms of shabu last October was shot dead by five still unidentified gunmen in Cebu on Feb. 13.
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas, citing reports coming from the PNP Command Center in Camp Crame Sunday, identified the slain drug suspect as Eddie Lumontad.
He said the victim was shot several times inside his residence in Upper Kampo, Municipality of Pinamungajan, Cebu using unknown caliber of firearms.
Sinas said the gunmen immediately fled after the incident.
“Investigators have processed the crime scene for possible trace evidence and have taken witness’ statements that will aid probers in establishing the identities of the gunmen,” he added.
Lumontad is listed as a second level drug personality in the drug watchlist operating in the southwest area of Cebu province particularly in the municipalities of Pinamungajan, Balamban, Asturias and cities of Toledo and Carcar, Sinas said.
He is reportedly an associate in the illegal drug business of slain former police officer Adonis Dumpit who died during a joint buy-bust operation conducted by police and the National Bureau of Investigation.
On Oct. 21, 2020, police conducted a buy-bust operation against Lumontad and a certain Gilbert Lumanog, where they confiscated 20 kilos of shabu. Lumanog was arrested while Lumontad managed to escape.
Lumontad was arrested five times for drug related offenses but cases filed against him were dismissed, Sinas said. (with Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
