Ex-cop held for Davao activist slay in 04

A dismissed policeman was arrested late last month by police over the killing in 2004 of a human rights activist in Davao City, police said Tuesday. Task Force USIG commander Chief Superintendent Geary Barias identified the suspect as Dennis Nolasco Fernando, a former member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) dismissed over allegations of involvement in irregularities. Fernando was arrested April 24 at No. 54 Dau Street, Monte Maria village, Catalunan Grande, Davao City by operatives of the Davao City Police Office and a Task Force USIG team in the same city, led by SPO2 Julito Ubales. "He is a key suspect in the murder of Jacinto "Rashid" Manahan Jr who was shot to death in the afternoon of August 24, 2004 at the Ponce Suite Hotel in Davao City. The victim is reportedly a member of a local organization that promotes advocacy for respect for human rights," Barias said of Fernando in a statement. A charge of murder had been filed against Fernando before the Davao City Regional Trial Court Branch 13, presided over by Judge Isaac Robillo. Robillo issued a warrant of arrest against Fernando only last April 20. Barias said the Manahan slay case is among the 116 high-profile cases that Task Force USIG is currently investigating. He did not say if the arrest of Fernando means the case is already solved. Fernando has since been detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility in Davao City. Task Force USIG was created in May last year by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in response to criticisms that her administration is not addressing the spate the extra-judicial killings in the country since she came into power in 2001. - GMANews.TV