2 more suspects in failed carjack arrested

MANILA, Philippines – Two of three suspects in the failed carjacking in Caloocan City that saw one of their companions killed nearly two weeks ago were arrested in a joint operation by Caloocan and Valenzuela lawmen yesterday.

Investigators said the suspects were remnants of the Madrigal Group engaged in robbery in band and carjacking in Metro Manila, Bulacan and Laguna.

Senior Superintendent Jude Wilson Santos, city police chief, said Juanito Aldas Jr., 31, and his uncle, Calvin Gabito Jr., 46, were charged with attempted homicide, attempted carjacking and concealing deadly weapons upon recommendation of Assistant City Prosecutor Darwin Canete during inquest proceedings yesterday.

Aldas is detained at the Caloocan City police while Gabito was taken into custody by the Valenzuela City police by virtue of an arrest warrant for robbery with physical injuries in Valenzuela City. Gabito also has an unserved jail sentence for illegal possession of firearms.

Chief Inspector Marcelo Mariano, Caloocan Detectives chief, told The STAR Gabito was previously captured by the Caloocan police in 1998 for highway robbery with frustrated homicide.

Police said Aldas was spotted by the would-be carjack victim himself, businessman and Army reservist Cornelio Guevarra, 39, while the suspect was crossing Rizal Avenue Extension in front of a mall.

Guevarra sought help from the police, who arrested Aldas and seized an 11-inch knife from him. Aldas told police about Gabito’s whereabouts.

At gunpoint, the suspects tried to take Guevarra’s Toyota Fortuner, but the businessman fought back and fired at the suspects, killing one of them.

Santos said the body of the duo’s slain companion, identified only as “Alex”, remains unclaimed nearly two weeks after he was killed.