PNP launches hunt for arrest of college president

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police forces launched a hunt for the arrest of a state-run college president implicated in the murder last year of a Commission on Audit official in this southern port city, said a police official yesterday.

City police director Senior Superintendent Manuel Barcena said the Regional Trial Court has already issued the warrant of arrest for Ernie Caraecle, president of the Zamboanga State College of Marines Sciences and Technology.

The local court found probable cause against Caraecle, tagged as the mastermind in the murder of COA lawyer Vilma Aguias.

“We have yet to locate him for his arrest,” according to Barcena.

He said they have learned that the subject of the arrest reportedly left for Manila on March 25 and the warrant was issued Tuesday last week.

Barcena said they have already coordinated with the police in Manila for the arrest of Caraecle in case the suspect is sighted.

Aguias was on her way to her office when she was gunned down in broad daylight by two motorcycle riding men along Cabato Road in Barangay Tetuan last year.     – Roel Pareño