Police Regional Office-5 headquarters in Legazpi City (PNA file photo)
LEGAZPI CITY – Ten police officers facing murder complaints for the killing of a bodyguard of former Biliran Rep. Glenn Chong and a female companion in Cainta, Rizal on Dec. 10, 2018, surrendered to the Legazpi City Police Station on Monday, a police report said.
Maj. Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO-5) spokesperson, identified those who surrendered 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 Philippine National Police (PNP)-Rizal; Cpl. Merwin Macam, Cpl. Diogenes Barrameda Jr., and Pat. Efren Areola, all members of the Highway Patrol Group of the Police Regional Office 4-A.
The suspects went into hiding for the past three years after they were linked to the ambush-slay of Richard Red Santillan, Chong's close-in-aide, and Gessamyn Casing on board the former's car in the said town.
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 station around 10:30 a.m., Monday," she added.
Calubaquib said the suspects are now in the custody of the city police station here and will be turned over to the PNP Calarbazon office for custody and disposition after undergoing documentation.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, PRO-5 regional director, in a statement, said he is thankful for the trust the 10 policemen gave to the Bicol police.
"The PRO-5 gives fair and equal rights to the suspects and victims," he said. (With a report from Connie Calipay/PNA)
