Alleged gunman in attack on reporter falls

MANILA, Philippines - A man accused of shooting and beating up reporter Fernan Angeles was arrested by Pasig City police yesterday.

City police chief Senior Superintendent Mario Soriano said Faisal Sancopan was nabbed by a team led by SPO3 Raul Casino and SPO1 Asiong Santos while he was hiding at a house near the Manggahan Floodway.

Soriano said Sancopan, a resident of Pasig City, was identified by Angeles as one of those who attacked him last March 11. “We showed the victim a photo of Faisal,” he said.

Police said Sancopan was arrested following a tip given by an informant to police. He is detained at the Pasig City police headquarters. He will be charged with frustrated murder tomorrow.

Soriano said two more suspects in the case are now being hunted by Pasig City police. “We know their identities and we are now tracking them down,” he said.

Angeles is recovering at the Pasig City General Hospital from seven gunshot wounds he sustained during the attack. His doctors said he is already out of danger.

The National Press Club and the Pasig City government had earlier offered rewards for any information leading to the arrest of suspects in the case.