Two cops allegedly linked to slay of ex-solon's aide surrender

Two policemen who were allegedly involved in the killing of the aide of former Biliran Representative Glenn Chong voluntarily surrendered to authorities, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday.

At a press conference, PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa identified the suspects as Police Captain Jon Russel Barnacha and Police Staff Sergeant Alvin Dela Cruz, who were personnel of the PNP Highway Patrol Group. Both of them had gone AWOL (absence without official leave).

"I think ito 'yung kay (Richard) Santillan. Parang inassert ito ni Congressman Chong and alleging that the PNP has not effected the arrest but mind you because of the issuance of warrants of arrest, I think their current status is they are on AWOL according to the regional director of PRO IV-A," Gamboa said.

Gamboa said the two policemen surrendered to authorities after the Rizal Regional Trial Court Branch 99 had issued warrant of arrest for two counts of murder against them.

Police had said Santillan was killed during a legitimate anti-crime operation in Cainta in 2018, noting that Santillan was a member of Highway Boys Group allegedly involved in illegal drugs and car theft in Rizal.

Authorities said Santillan's vehicle was the target of the police operation because of documented intel reports that it was being used to transport illegal drugs. —LDF, GMA News