Elusive ex-cop nabbed

After 10 years in hiding, a former Manila policeman wanted for the murder of his kumpadre in San Andres finally fell into the hands of authorities, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said yesterday.

Acting NBI Director Lolito Utitco identified the suspect as Arturo Frias, alias Diosdado Hawod, former Police Officer 3 at the Western Police District.

Frias had been charged for killing his kumpadre Ernesto Estrada, a barangay kagawad and a resident of Zone 80, San Andres, Manila in 1992.

By virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Manila Judge Rodolfo Palattao, NBI agents arrested Frias last week at his house at Block 64, Lot 34, Metro South Subdivision, Gen. Trias, Cavite.

Police records showed Frias and Estrada were close friends but their relationship turned sour after the former policeman suspected that the kagawad caused damage to his owner-type jeepney.

On Nov. 24, 1992, Frias approached Estrada, who was standing in front of his mother’s house and shot his kumpadre in the face.

After the incident, relatives of the victim said, Frias fled to Saipan but returned months later. He hid in Pangasinan and later settled in Cavite, where he worked as a tricycle driver.

Frias is now locked up at the NBI detention cell. – Cecille Suerte Felipe