ILOILO City – The live-in partner of a suspected drug group leader was shot to death by an unidentified man late Friday night inside her store in Barangay Calaparan, Arevalo, Iloilo City.
The 41-year-old Valerie Abantao died of four gunshot wounds. She was the live-in partner of Jovan Abantao, leader of the Abantao drug group operating in Arevalo and Molo districts but currently detained at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinpula City.
According to Arevalo police chief, Police Major Chen Tañagras, the gunman was wearing a black jacket, a pair of black pants, and facemask.
After the shooting, the gunman fled toward Barangay Calumpang, Molo onboard a waiting motorcycle.
The driver of the motorcycle was wearing a pair of short pants and black jacket.
“She was really the target. The triggerman did not hurt her 14-year-old grandson,” said Tañagra.
“We are conducting an investigation and coordinating with her family to get more information. Daku mabulig sang pamilya para ma-zero in naton ang real motive. We are entertaining all possible motives,” Tañagras said.
Panay News sources said the victim and Jovan had a misunderstanding recently.
Jovan reportedly learned that the victim had another man in Iloilo.
Valerie Abatao was arrested in 2017 for illegal drugs and two years later, she was released from prison due to a plea bargaining agreement.
Sources said she was handling huge volumes of shabu and may have unpaid debts from suppliers./PN
