Arrest of suspects in House exec’s murder lauded

MANILA, Philippines — Arresting the two suspects in the killing of an official of the House of Representatives is a step closer to justice, Speaker Martin Romualdez said yesterday.

“This fight is far from over. We will not rest until every person involved – whether gunman, accomplice or mastermind – is held to account,” Romualdez said.

Mauricio Pulhin, 63, technical staff chief of the House ways and means committee, was shot dead on June 15 during his daughter’s birthday party in Quezon City.

Romualdez told the four remaining suspects, including a couple, that the “long arm of the law is closing in.”

“There is no safe haven. You will be found and you will face the consequences of this crime,” he said.

One of the two apprehended suspects, Joe Zarasate, alias Balong, confessed that Pulhin had planned to file qualified theft and fraud charges against the masterminds.

A couple who worked for Pulhin reportedly hired the suspects as they held a grudge against him.

Police said the gunmen were still unpaid.

Romualdez commended the Philippine National Police for apprehending the two suspects.

The National Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies should intensify efforts to capture the other suspects, Romualdez said. –  Delon Porcalla