By Jason De Asis
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – A suspect linked to the killing of a barangay official in Bulacan was arrested by joint police operatives during a manhunt operation in Kawit, Cavite on Friday.
According to the Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 (Central Luzon), the 45-year-old suspect was apprehended in Barangay Marulas in Kawit at about 11:30 a.m. by virtue of a warrant of arrest dated Feb. 20, 2025, issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 11, Malolos City for two counts of murder, with no bail recommended.
The accused is among those implicated in the killing of Ramil Capistrano, the Association of Barangay Captains president of Bulacan, and his driver, Shedrick Toribio, who were shot dead in Barangay Ligas on Oct. 3, 2024.
The Bulacan Provincial Intelligence Unit’s tracker team carried out the arrest, in coordination with personnel of the Bulacan 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, Malolos City Police, Regional Intelligence Division 3, Regional Special Operations Group 3, Regional Intelligence Unit 3, and the Kawit Municipal Police.
Police said the suspect attempted to evade arrest by fleeing on board a motorcycle but accidentally collided with a vehicle used by the operating team.
The suspect is under the custody of the Bulacan Provincial Intelligence Unit for documentation and proper disposition while awaiting the issuance of a commitment order.
PRO-3 Director Jess Mendez commended the operating units for the successful arrest, emphasizing that the operation is aligned with the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Focused Agenda, particularly on the intensified campaign against wanted persons.
“This operation reflects our firm commitment to the PNP Focused Agenda to ensure that those involved in heinous crimes are relentlessly pursued and held accountable. Walang puwang ang pagtatago sa batas (There is no room for those hiding from the law). We will continue to track, locate, and arrest wanted persons until they are brought before the courts,” Mendez said.
He added that the successful operation highlights the importance of intelligence-driven policing, strong inter-unit coordination, and sustained manhunt operations in strengthening public trust and ensuring safer communities. (PNA)
