Suspect in 1986 Olalia killing surrenders

MANILA, Philippines - One of the 13 suspects in the murder of labor leader Rolando Olalia and his driver, Leonor Alay-ay, in Antipolo City in 1986 surrendered to police authorities last July 24.

Desiderio Perez, of Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City, gave himself up to Superintendent Ceasar Tannagan, head of the Rizal Police Public Safety Battalion.

Perez surrendered to clear his name in the double-murder case, which is still not resolved after almost 26 years.

Aside from Perez, the 12 other suspects were Eduardo Kapunan Jr., Oscar Legaspi, Filomeno Maligaya, Cirilo Almario, Jose Bacera, Fernando Casanova, Ricardo Dicon, Gilbert Galicia, Dennis Jabatan, Gene Paris, Freddie Sumagaysay, and Edger Sumido.

They were all members of the right-wing Reform the Armed Forces Movement which launched a series of coup attempts against the administration of then President Corazon Aquino.

Olalia’s labor leader son and namesake Rolando Rico Olalia confirmed Perez’s surrender through a letter sent by Tannagan to Taytay Regional Trial Court Branch 98 that is hearing his father’s case. – Non Alquitran, Ed Amoroso