Ex-barangay chairman wanted for Silay City massacre nabbed in Zambales

After more than three years, a former barangay captain wanted for the deaths of four people in Silay City in Negros Occidental was finally arrested in Zambales province.

Noel Ayalin, former chairman of Barangay Kapitan Ramon and one of the region's most wanted fugitives, was traced to Iba town in Zambales, Iloilo news site The Daily Guardian reported Friday.

The report said he did not resist arrest and will be transported back to Negros Occidental to face charges.

His arrest came a day after Silay City raised the reward for his arrest to P300,000 from P100,000. Aside from the P300,000 bounty from the city government, the provincial government also offered P500,000 for information leading to his arrest.

Ayalin faces charges for multiple murder and attempted murder for the March 6, 2011 massacre of Barangay Kapitan Ramon council members Luzviminda Cotamen, Pedrito Oroci, Freddie Juño, and Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson Imee Occeña.

He allegedly went on a shooting spree after learning his benefits as a former barangay official were withheld. He had lost in the 2010 elections.

A police tracker team went to Zambales after receiving information on Ayalin's whereabouts Wednesday afternoon. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News