Mar Serrano
LEGAZPI CITY – Ten police officers facing murder cases for the ambush-slay of the bodyguard of former Biliran Rep. Glenn Chong and a female companion in Cainta, Rizal more than three years ago, surrendered to the authorities here on Monday, February 21.
Maj. Malu Calubaquib, spokesperson for the Philippine National Police (PNP) Bicol Regional Office l (PRO-5) based in this city, identified the 10 policemen as Staff Sgt. Julius Villadarez, Staff Sgt. Richard Raagas, Cpl. Arthur Gerard Ignacio, Pat. Napoleon Relox, Pat. Jordan Antonio, Pat. Marvin Santos, and Pat. Terry Anthony Alcantara, all members of the PNP-Rizal; Cpl. Merwin Macam, Cpl. Diogenes Barrameda Jr., and Pat. Efren Areola of the Highway Patrol Group of the PNP Regional Office 4-A.
Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, PRO-5 regional director, in a statement, said he is thankful for the suspects’ trust in the Bicol police. “The PRO-5 gives fair and equal rights to both suspects and victims,” he said.
The suspects went into hiding after they were linked to the December 10, 2018 ambush-slay of Richard Red Santillan, Chong’s close-in-aide, and his lady companion identified only as Gessamyn.
Calubaquib said the policemen were among the 20 individuals included in the warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 99 in Antipolo City for the charges of murder.
“The suspects who sought refuge in this city, have decided to surrender and give their testimonies about the case to the city police here at around 10:30 a.m., Monday,” she added.
Calubaquib said the suspects are now in the custody of the Legazpi City police and will be turned over to the PNP Calarbazon office for custody and disposition after undergoing documentation. (PNA)
