Cops arrest suspect in Batangas prosecutor's murder

MANILA, Philippines - Police have arrested a suspect in the killing of a provincial prosecutor in Batangas on Thursday morning.

Prosecutor General Claro Arellano announced the arrest of Jayson Espejo Guerrero, a suspect in the killing of Batangas assistant provincial prosecutor Alexander Sandoval.

Arellano said policemen arrested Guerrero on Thursday afternoon in Taal, Batangas.

Sandoval was driving his car along a highway in Barangay Muzon, San Luis town when he was shot dead by two motorcycle-riding gunmen at around 11 a.m.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has ordered Arellano to identify the sensitive cases assigned to Sandoval.

"It may be helpful in ascertaining the motives for the killing and to relay forthwith such and any other relevant information to the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation)," De Lima said.

"In response to this blatant assault, not just against one of our own, but against our entire system of government and the Filipino nation as a whole," De Lima said.

De Lima reiterated the order to the National Bureau of Investigation as well as appealed to the Philippine National Police to intensify its pursuit operation against those responsible for the killing.

"We also wish to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of the late Batangas Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Alexander Sandoval. Their loss is the loss of the National Prosecution Service and of the Department," De Lima said.