Primary suspect in Cainta massacre nabbed in Marinduque

MANILA, Philippines - The primary suspect in the massacre of a family of four in Cainta, Rizal on Valentine’s Day was arrested yesterday in Boac, Marinduque.

Senior Superintendent Manuel Prieto, Rizal police provincial director and Cainta Mayor Mon Ilagan confirmed the arrest of Fortunato Acibar Jr.

Prieto said Senior Superintendent Edwin Roque, Marinduque police director relayed to him the arrest of Acibar, while a member of a Cainta police informed Ilagan of the good news.

“The suspect was not in his right mind. He could not fathom why he killed his uncle and his family,” said Prieto.

Joint elements of the Cainta and the Marinduque police traced Acibar in Boac town with the help of the suspects’ uncle, Rogelio.

The suspects is now being brought to the Cainta police headquarters for further investigation.

The Rizal police director expressed strong belief that the P100,000 reward offered by Cainta Mayor Ilagan hastened the arrest of Acibar.

Earlier, Acibar and his uncle were seen engaged in a drinking spree in the latter’s house at West Bank Floodway, Alley 12, Lakas Tao in Barangay San Andres last Sunday.

Neighbors claimed the duo engaged in a heated argument and Elizabeth and the youngest child were heard pleading to Acibar to stop the confrontation with Amado Sr.

The bodies of the victims were discovered on Valentine’s Day after neighbors noticed that Amado Sr.’s motorcycle was missing.

Responding cops found the bloodied bodies of the victims inside the house, all sustaining multiple stab wounds.

The house was ransacked. – With Ed Amoroso