Key suspect in trader’s kidnap-slay arrested

CAMP VICENTE LIM — Police intelligence operatives in the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) arrested the other day the prime suspect in the kidnap-slaying of a businessman in Calamba City five years ago.

Hilario Mabaga, 42, alias "Bente Uno," was arrested in his residence in Barangay Bawi, Padre Garcia, Batangas.

More than 50 large bottles, beakers and test tubes were found in his possession, triggering suspicions that he might be putting up a mini laboratory for the manufacture of shabu in Batangas.

Several pendants, believed to be Mabaga’s amulets, were also found in his house.

Superintendent Rosauro Acion, Calabarzon police intelligence chief, said Mabaga was arrested based on a warrant of arrest issued by the Calamba Regional Trial Court for the kidnap-slaying of businessman Simeon Gandiola on Aug. 26, 1999 in Barangay Majadang Labas, Calamba City.

Mabaga carried a P100,000 prize on his head and was listed as the fourth most wanted criminal in the Calabarzon. He faces a string of murder cases in various courts in Laguna.

Acion said police were still gathering more evidence which would link Mabaga to other crimes such as highway robberies.

He was also being suspected of being the leader of a gun-for-hire group behind the Amarante massacre in Marinig, Cabuyao, Laguna two years ago.