2 cops in lawyer’s aide murder surrender

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — Two police officers implicated in the murder of a lawyer’s  security aide and his female companion in Cainta, Rizal in 2018 surrendered yesterday.

Capt. Jon Russel Barnacha and S/Sgt. Alvin dela Cruz surrendered to Philippine National Police chief Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa and Anti-Kidnapping Group director Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo.

Barnacha is a former field officer of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG)-Rizal.

“They are here to shed light on the case and face trial,” Gamboa said in a press conference at Camp Crame.

Barnacha and Dela Cruz are among 20 police officers implicated in the killing of Richard Santillan and Gessamyn Casing in Barangay San Andres on Dec. 10, 2018.

Santillan was an employee of lawyer and senatorial candidate Glen Chiong.

Barnacha and Dela Cruz went AWOL or absent without leave after Judge Miguel Asuncion of the Taytay Regional Trial Court Branch 99 issued a warrant for their arrest.

No bail was recommended for the temporary liberty of the accused, who were each charged with two counts of murder.

Santillan was driving Chiong’s car with Casing on board when they were spotted by HPG officers along the Eastbank Road.

Reports said the vehicle had no validation sticker and verification showed it was last registered in 2015.

The fatalities were on their way home from a gift-giving activity when the alleged shootout occurred. – With Ed Amoroso