Man arrested for retired teacher’s slay

MANILA, Philippines - A man was arrested yesterday for the killing of a 67-year-old retired teacher in Valenzuela City on Feb. 8.

Jenito Romano, 34, was apprehended along Rincon street in Malinta, according to city police chief Senior Superintendent Rhoderick Armamento.

Romano fits the description of the man seen running from the house of Virginia Francisco and who stabbed her nephew, Virgilio, when he tried to stop the fleeing suspect, Armamento told The STAR.

According to initial reports, Virgilio had gone to his aunt’s house to tell her that he saw her dog roaming outside the family compound, also along Rincon street, which was unusual.

Virgilio told police he noticed a mountain bike parked outside the gates of his aunt’s house. He was attacked when he entered Francisco’s house.

Francisco’s 10-year-old niece, Maryjoy Malacas, said she saw a thin man in his mid-40s rushing out of the gate of her aunt’s house and riding a mountain bike left near the gate.

Virgilio, who went to check on his aunt before going to the hospital, found that she was dead, her throat slit.

“We are still analyzing the case and we are still trying to determine the motive but robbery could be the reason,” Armamento said, praising his men for the speedy resolution of the case.

Meanwhile, Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian said he was glad the police solved the crime quickly “without so much fanfare and with utmost professionalism.”