After evading arrest for two decades for the crime of murder, a fugitive former police officer was finally collared in a successful dragnet operation on Wednesday, March 5, in Brgy. Panipuan, San Fernando, Pampanga.
The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as Nico Cruz Garcia, 49 years old.
He was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder issued on Nov. 15, 2006 by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 142 in Makati City.
"Through the cooperation of the Station Intelligence Section and Warrant and Subpoena Unit led by Col. Jean Dela Torre, the operation was successfully commenced. Pampanga's Provincial Police Office (PPO), police units from San Fernando, Mexico, and Macabebe, 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies, and SDIT RIU-NCR-IG also helped to carry out the suspect's arrest," the SPD said.
Garcia is currently detained at the Makati City Police Station (CPS).
SPD district director Brig. Gen. Manuel Abrugena lauded the arrest of the suspect.
“This arrest reflects the strong dedication of law enforcement in ensuring that fugitives, no matter how long they have evaded justice, will be held accountable," Abrugena stated.
“We will continue to strengthen our intelligence operations and coordination with different police units to bring criminals to justice. The public’s cooperation is vital in this endeavor, and we urge everyone to remain watchful and report any information that could aid in the capture of wanted individuals,” he added. (Vincent Brian Gutierrez)