Suspect in killing of Carmen mayor's aide falls

CEBU, Philippines - One of the suspects in the slaying of the bodyguard of Carmen Mayor Sonia Pua was arrested yesterday morning in barangay Lamac, Consolacion town.

The suspect was identified as Jonathan Salva, 40 years old, married.

The operation was led by Chief Insp. Carlos Reyes of the Carmen Police through a warrant of arrest. It was also found out that the suspect has violated the probation he filed on a case for illegal drugs.

Salva was positively identified by witnesses and that his facial features matched the descriptions given on the cartographic sketch released.

Senior Supt. Jesus Gaquing, director of the Cebu Provincial Police Office, is hopeful the suspect will cooperate with them that would eventually lead to the arrest of the other suspects.

Contrary to an earlier report, Gaquing said they will only “consider the case solved if all the suspects would finally be arrested.”

Around 9 a.m. yesterday, Salva was collared in Lamac where he was working. Further, it was learned that the suspect got involved in a robbery case in Bogo.

CPPO is now waiting for the report from the Carmen Police after which it is to recommend the latter to the Police Regional Office-7 for an award after the speedy development in the resolution of the said case.

Chief Supt. Lani-O Nerez, PRO-7 director, also welcomes the suggestion and the recommendation because of the fast pace in solving the crime, like the Barili incident involving the wife of a former vice mayor.

Nonito Taoy, bodyguard of Mayor Sonia Pua, was peppered with bullets by motorcycle-riding men in barangay West Poblacion last November 9.

Initially, the attack was believed to be politically motivated as Taoy was already abducted by alleged member of a rival camp in the last elections. – Gabriel C. Bonjoc/MEEV   (FREEMAN NEWS)