Man nabbed for slay try on Malabon bet

MANILA, Philippines - A man was arrested for allegedly participating in a foiled ambush on a candidate for barangay chairman in Malabon City Thursday night.

Ridel Bautista, 37, was arrested in a follow-up operation after he was identified by the driver of Abbi Balatbat as one of the armed men who blocked their path on Panghulo Road shortly before 11 p.m.

His companion escaped and is now the subject of a manhunt.

According to Leandro dela Cruz, Balatbat’s driver, they were cruising along Panghulo Road when two men on a motorcycle overtook them and tried to block their path.

The driver said he maneuvered the car and sped toward the nearest police precinct and reported the incident. 

Malabon City police chief Senior Superintendent Severino Abad said Bautista was not able to show a license and permit for his .38 caliber revolver when he was arrested.