6 Apayao slay suspects surface

TUGUEGARAO CITY , Philippines   â€“ Six of nine suspects in the massacre of three caretakers of a restricted tribal fishing ground in Pudtol town, Apayao have surfaced to deny their role in the crime, police said.

Senior Superintendent Albertlito Garcia, Apayao police director, said Tubban Luban, his brother Marcelo and son Alex; Charlie Iguad, Divira Dandan, and Jerald Daluquis instead pointed to the three other suspects – Dionisio Bernal and son Bryan, and Bernal Beltran Francisco – as the alleged perpetrators.

Garcia said the six suspects turned themselves in through the efforts of their relatives and village officials in Kabugao town.

They were implicated in the killing of farmers Felix Matulot, 75; Jason Acob, 29; and Rogelio Rupad, 39, who reportedly prevented them from fishing in a no-fishing zone called “lapat.” The victims’ bodies were also burned.