Another suspect in QC shooting of photojournalist arrested — police

Authorities have arrested another suspect in the June 29 shooting of photojournalist Rene Joshua Abiad and his relatives in Quezon City, the police said on Friday.

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) chief Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III said the suspect identified as alias “Mata” was arrested Thursday night at a bus terminal in Metro Manila after he arrived from the province.

“I am happy to announce that the second personality involved na mina-manhunt natin, si alyas Mata, ay nasa kustodiya na natin. Nahuli natin siya kagabi,” Torre told reporters.

(I am happy to announce that the second personality involved in the shooting and subject of our manhunt operation is already in our custody. We arrested him last night.)

In a separate statement, the QCPD identified the arrested suspect as Jomari Dela Cruz, 24 years old.

Police held a follow-up operation after receiving a tip from an informant that Dela Cruz would be arriving at the Solid North Transit Bus Terminal in Cubao after hiding in Pangasinan.

Recovered from the suspect were a caliber 9mm pistol, eight rounds of live ammunition, and a magazine inside his sling bag.

Dela Cruz is now under the custody of the Criminal investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU), the QCPD said.

A complaint for the violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act is being prepared against him and will be filed before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

Torre said Mata allegedly acted as the driver of the pink motorcycle tailing the vehicle of the gunmen in the shooting incident.

On Tuesday, authorities announced the arrest of a suspect identified as Eduardo Almario Legazpi II. According to the police, Legazpi is allegedly a professional gun for hire.

On Thursday, Torre said they already have leads on all six to seven remaining suspects who are still at large, including the alleged mastermind, a former barangay chairman in Pasay City.

Torre said the alleged mastermind identified alias “Nanad” supposedly contracted Legazpi’s team to ambush Abiad, who survived the attack.

According to him, the ex-barangay chairman has a record of having been arrested in the past over illegal drugs.

On June 29, Abiad was onboard a vehicle with some relatives when another vehicle blocked their way and gunmen opened fire. A motorcycle rider was also seen serving as a lookout.

One of the victim-passengers, the four-year-old nephew of Abiad, passed away days later after he was hit by a bullet in the head. A bystander was also hit by a stray bullet, according to the police. — RSJ/ VAL, GMA Integrated News