Suspects in cop's killing arrested

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna , Philippines  – Five suspects in the killing of a police official two-years ago in Barangay Mayapa were arrested in a series of police operations in Barangay Bubuyan and Kay-anlog, Calamba City, police said yesterday.

Those arrested were Michael Manaig, Ladislao Castillo, Jimmy Castillo, Resty Mamalayan and Javier Llarena.

Chief Superintendent Perfecto Palad, Calabarzon police director, said the arrest was made by virtue of warrants issued by Judge Alberto Serrano of the Regional Trial Court. The suspects were listed in the most wanted persons in the town.

He said reports that the suspects were sighted at their residences, the intelligence men conducted a week-long surveillance operation in their houses and hideout in two barangays.

According to Superintendent Nestor dela Cueva, town police chief, the suspects were positively identified by witnesses as the attackers of SPO4 Rupino Maglinao, assigned at the Calamba City police station, two years ago.

It was learned that the suspects were bodyguards and relatives of a politician who is now planning to run as mayor in the coming 2010 elections.

Police said the victim was inside his residence in Barangay Mayapa when the suspects arrived and shot him.   – Ed Amoroso