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After 28 years of hiding, ex-police sarge wanted for death of a military officer arrested in Rizal

Philippines | National

After 28 years of hiding, ex-police sarge wanted for death of a military officer arrested in Rizal

By Aaron Recuenco

His police training made him escape from detention twice and hide for 28 years, but the long arm of the law has finally caught up with former police sergeant Joel C. Villanueva in a follow-up operation in Cainta, Rizal on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

Villanueva has been the subject of follow-up operations of the Philippine National Police (PNP) over the years and his elusiveness even prompted the national government to offer P275,000 for any information that could lead to his capture.

Screen grab from PNP-IG video

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. said Villanueva is facing a case of homicide which was filed before the Branch 56 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Lucena City.

Acorda said Villanueva was previously assigned to the 237th Philippine Constabulary Company based in Candelaria, Quezon. He was dismissed from the police service in 1995 due to his involvement in the killing of a military officer in 1991.

“He is really elusive. In fact, he even attempted to change his identity,” said Acorda.

“But we had a breakthrough on this case through a tipster and we were able to confirm his identity through our Intelligence Group,” he added.

PNP-IG director Col. Romeo Macapaz said Villanueva escaped from the Lucena City Jail on July 29, 1995. Although he was recaptured the following year, he once again escaped while undergoing a medical examination at the Orthopedic Hospital.

“No one helped him during his escape and while he was in hiding. He is really good at hiding probably because of his police background,” said Macapaz.

Macapaz said the name of Villanueva came up when they were reviewing archived cases in compliance with Acorda’s order to step up the operation against wanted persons.

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