DAVAO CITY – Police apprehended in Kibawe, Bukidnon on Monday the businessman accused of organizing the murder of former Philsaga Mining Corp. president retired Col. Samuel Afdal three years ago.
The Bunawan Municipal Police Station in Agusan del Sur identified the suspect as Ryan Marky Baylon, president of JB Earthmovers.
The 43-year-old Baylon from Agusan del Sur is the last of four suspects in the killing of the Afdal arrested by authorities. Baylon was the victim's former business associate.
Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 85 Presiding Judge Juris Dilinila-Callanta issued the arrest warrant for murder against Baylon on April 5, along with Rosalino Degracia, a former communist rebel.
Degracia surrendered to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Davao City in April, while the other suspect, Alemar Awado, was detained in Bislig City in Surigao del Sur in connection with a different murder case. Awado surrendered to authorities in Surigao del Sur.
Police said that Baylon did not resist when he was arrested in a resort. The suspect was accompanied by female resort staff when he was caught.
No bail was recommended for the suspect who faces a murder case before the Quezon City court dated May 8.
He was informed of his constitutional rights before he was brought to the Bunawan Municipal Police Station.
MAP of Bukidnon with the municipality of Kibawe highlighted.
The Agusan del Sur provincial prosecutor found probable cause to charge Baylon, Degracia, and Awado for allegedly conspiring to kill the retired military officer.
Afdal family lawyers said the prosecution of the three accused followed the account of gunman Jeffrey Mamerto who was convicted for the crime on November 15, 2023 and meted a 10-year prison term by Agusan del Sur RTC Branch 6 Judge Emily Zen Chua.
Mamerto confessed to authorities that Baylon offered Degracia and Awado P200,000 for the job. He was paid P50,000 for his role in the ambush of the victim on October 26, 2021 in Barangay Santa Cruz. Saga succumbed to his wounds on November 15, 2021.
Afdal family lawyers said on April 19 that a warrant was issued and affirmed the case handover to Quezon City from Agusan del Sur last year following the family’s request.