ONE of the 29 suspects named in the double murder, double frustrated murder and attempted murder in connection with the ambush of former Fifth District Congressman Amado Espino Jr. and his four companions on September 11 last year in San Carlos City, was arrested by joint elements of the police in Quezon City on November 3.

Pangasinan Police Provincial director Col. Redrico Maranan said the arrested suspect, John Paul Regalado, a native of Bacolod City and tagged as the owner of one of the getaway vehicles, a Ford Everest, was nabbed in Barangay Laging Handa in Quezon City by joint operations of law enforcement agencies.

The vehicle was found deserted with two M14 and M16 guns inside, in Barangay Pasima in San Carlos City after the ambush of Espino’s convoy in San Carlos City.

Regalado was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Magnolia Cayetano of Branch 56 in San Carlos City.

Regalado was reportedly a member of the group of former Second District Board Member Raul Sison, the suspected mastermind, that staged the ambush using several high-powered firearms. Sison, however, died from COVID-19 in March this year.

According to Maranan, Regalado went into hiding and traveled abroad then returned only to hide in different regions with relatives but the dedicated tracker team eventually caught up with him in Quezon City where he lives.

While Regalado denied his involvement in the ambuscade claiming the vehicle was mortgaged to somebody he did not identity, Maranan said Regalado indicated his willingness to cooperate in the resolution of the cases.

Maranan cited the court’s consistence in issuing warrants of arrest against the suspects.

Regalado was the second suspect to be arrested while five reportedly voluntarily surrendered to the authorities. One of the suspects, Ronald Anthony Romero, 36, committed suicide two weeks ago.  (Leonardo Micua/Ahikam Pasion /Jerrick Pasiliao)

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments