Suspect in photojournalist’s ambush caught in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines —  A suspect in the ambush of photojournalist Rene Joshua Abiad in June 2023 in Quezon City, who was arrested last year for illegal possession of a firearm, is back in police custody.

Jomari Campillo, 25, was arrested by police in front of the hall of justice in Barangay Central at around noon, Quezon City Police District director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said.

Campillo, the ninth most wanted fugitive in Quezon City, was served a warrant of arrest for frustrated murder issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 86.

Maranan said Campillo was among the suspects in the attack on Abiad and his relatives in Barangay Masambong on June 29, 2023.

Abiad’s nephew was killed while three of his relatives were wounded in the attack.

Campillo, who was tagged as the spotter in Abiad’s ambush, and another suspect identified as Eduardo Legazpi II were arrested by police in July 2023.

Records showed Campillo posted bail for the offense of illegal possession of a firearm last year. He was then arrested for frustrated murder in connection with the attempt on Abiad’s life.

“The arrest of the suspect is a clear manifestation that justice will always be served,” Maranan said in a statement.

Col. Jean Fajardo, PNP chief information officer, said police are hunting down a certain Kap Nanad, the alleged mastermind; Juanito Padilla, the alleged leader of a gun-for-hire syndicate; and suspects identified only as Charry, Oscar, Marlo and Jayson.

Campillo “was among those who conducted surveillance and tailed (the victim) during the shooting,” Fajardo said in a news briefing at Camp Crame.