2 suspects in killing of man in Caloocan surrender to cops

The Caloocan City Police Station (CCPS) announced on Wednesday, Nov. 2, the surrender of two suspects in the killing of a man whose body was found on a street in Vista Verde Subdivision, Brgy. 166, Caybiga, in the city last Monday, Oct. 31.

The CCPS identified the suspects as Joseph Bacierra, 24, and Rico Gruta, 25, both residents of Barangay 165, Caloocan City.

According to the police, a truck driver sought help from security guards after he discovered the body of the victim on Vista Verde Avenue at around 4:20 a.m. on Monday.

The victim was later identified as Mark Anthony Baranda, 28, also of Caloocan City. He sustained a laceration on his neck. His body was brought to Jenne Funeral Homes in the city for autopsy.

With the help of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage in the area, responding police officers were able to identify Gruta and Bacierra.

The police tried to arrest the duo in respective houses but to no avail. Their relatives later convinced them to surrender.

Bacierra and Gruta turned themselves in to the CCPS Sub-station 7 at around 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1. They admitted that they stabbed and killed the victim.

The suspects were charged with murder, police said.