4 charged with Malabon radio host's murder

MANILA, Philippines - Four alleged members of a leftist group were charged with murder for the killing of radio host Marlina Sumera near her house in Malabon City last March 22.

Malabon City police chief Senior Superintendent Cornelio Barrios identified one of the suspects as Carlos Alejandro, the leader of leftist group Partisano–Armadong Operatiba ng Marxista-Leninista ng Pilipinas. The three other attackers, including the gunman, remain unidentified.

In his report to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, Barrios said the murder charges were filed before the Malabon prosecutor’s office.

Robredo said Barrios’ office also filed charges of grave threats against Emma Nuqui, who reportedly threatened Sumera with harm over a dispute involving a parcel of land in Barangay Maysilo. Sumera and Nuque are presidents of two “warring” homeowners’ association in the neighborhood.

“I have given instructions to Barrios to extend support to the Sumera family in their quest to bring her killers to the bar of justice,” Robredo said.

Robredo said Alejandro was also implicated in the murder of Edwin Abella, a barangay chairman from Navotas City. After Abella was gunned down, the group claimed responsibility for the killing.

According to GMA 7, Alejandro’s group also claimed responsibility for the attack on Metropolitan Manila Development Authority sidewalk clearing operations head Roberto Esquivel’s vehicle in 2009. Esquivel’s driver was killed and the official’s son was wounded in the incident.