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Cops nab suspect in killing of Grade 7 student in Calamba


The suspect in last week's killing of a Grade 7 student in Calamba, Laguna was arrested early Tuesday morning, according to John Consulta's report on GMA News' Unang Balita.

The suspect, identified as Renan Estrope Valderama, was arrested in Pansol, Laguna, according to Laguna Police district provincial director Police Colonel Eleazar Mata and Calamba Police chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Jack Malinao.

The victim, 15-year-old Mark Anthony Miranda, was inside one of the classrooms of Masili National High School on July 4 when shot by the suspect at around 12:30 p.m.

The police were swift in the operation that led to the arrest of Valderama.

After the crime, Valderama even posted on social media saying police will not be able to find him. In another post, he said he was sorry for what he did.

Police sent tracker teams as far as Lucena, Quezon and Camarines Sur where Valderama was known to have relatives.

They were able to arrest him in Pansol after receiving a tip from a concerned citizen.

Investigation is ongoing to determine if there were people who helped Valderama hide in Laguna. Malinao said the suspect has four addresses in Laguna.

No confirmation was given yet if the firearm allegedly used by Valderama has been found.

However, it was confirmed that the suspect used the service firearm issued to him.

Valderama worked as a security guard and went AWOL on July 1 without having turned over the firearm to his co-worker.

Police also confirmed that the victim stayed in one house with Valderama.

The two were introduced in March, after which the suspect offered to adopt Miranda and send him to school.

However, Miranda ran away on June 15, boarding a jeepney even without slippers, then called his best friend to pick him up, police said.

Miranda alleged that he was sexually abused by the suspect.

Valderama allegedly urged the victim to move back in with him but was unsuccessful. —BAP/KBK/KG, GMA News

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