Man who vandalized Ninoy's tomb nabbed

MANILA, Philippines - The man who allegedly vandalized the tomb of former senator Benigno Aquino Jr. at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City last month was arrested in Cavite on Wednesday.

Mariano Peralta Alganion is under the custody of the Parañaque police.

Alganion’s picture with his name on it was found together with the handwritten and computerized notes taped on the tomb.

President Aquino had asked the police to investigate the carvings that he discovered on his father’s tomb after he and his siblings attended Mass at the cemetery on Christmas Day. A park security guard said used engine oil was also spilled on the tomb.

City police chief Senior Superintendent Billy Beltran said Alganion was the same person accosted by the Presidential Security Group on Oct. 31 for trying to come near the President.

“After the departure of the President, the suspect again spilled (used engine oil on) the tomb of the former senator,” Beltran said.

Police said the second incident took place at around 6 p.m., after the guard who was posted at the tomb left. The guard discovered the spilled oil and three pieces of paper taped on the tomb when he returned.

Beltran said the suspect would be charged with malicious mischief.