By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) operatives have arrested a former police officer wanted for murder and an active cop listed as high-value individual in two separate operations in Pampanga and Pasay.
The NCRPO operatives under the Southern Police District (SPD) arrested Nico Cruz Garcia, a former police officer, in Montana View in Barangay Panipuan, San Fernando, Pampanga at around 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday.
NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said the 49-year-old suspected was arrested under a warrant of arrest issued by Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 142 presiding judge Dina Pestaño Teves on Nov. 15, 2006.
“After decades of hiding, this elusive most wanted person is finally arrested and will face trial,” Aberin said.
He said Garcia will be turned over to the judicial authorities after completing all the processes for legal documentation.
SPD Director Brig. Gen. Manuel Abrugena said Garcia’s arrest reflects the strong dedication of law enforcement “in ensuring that fugitives, no matter how long they have evaded justice, will be held accountable.”
He said the public’s cooperation is also vital in the capture of wanted individuals.
The NCRPO also arrested Cpl. Michael Mones, 37, assigned at Angeles Police Station under Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 (Central Luzon), in a buy-bust operation along Roxas Boulevard, Brgy. 76, Pasay City on Wednesday.
Seized from Mones were 35 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP238,000, buy-bust money, cellular phone, a short firearm with ammunition, weighing scale, handcuff, and government identification cards.
Mones will be charged with violation of Article II, Sections 5, 11, and 26 of Republic Act (RA) 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and now under the custody of the Pasay City Police. (PNA)
