The STAR opted to withhold the name of the suspect, he being a minor, who is a resident of Batangas Line, Paco, Manila. He was arrested by agents of the WPD-Special Operations Group at around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday near his residence.
Several witnesses identified the suspect as the one who attacked Gerald Mallari, SK chairman of Barangay 818, Zone 88 in Paco last Jan. 18.
Shortly after receiving reports about the killing, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza ordered the police to immediately arrest and prosecute the killer, who reportedly fled to Davao City.
On Tuesday, Superintendent Ernesto Ibay, WPD-SOG chief, received reports that two rival fraternities were gearing up for a clash along Batangas Line, where the suspect was involved in the plan.
Ibay sent a team to thwart the clash and arrest the suspect. When arrested, the suspect was in possession of an eight-inch fan knife and a sachet of shabu.
The suspect will be charged with murder, illegal possession of deadly weapon and illegal drugs before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office.