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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Las Piñas murder suspect captured in Leyte after 2 decades

Las Piñas murder suspect captured in Leyte after 2 decades

Published Jul 10, 2026 01:10 pm
The suspect arrested in Leyte after more than 22 years of hiding for the 2004 killing of a barangay councilor in Las Piñas City. (Photo courtesy of the Las Piñas City Police)
The suspect arrested in Leyte after more than 22 years of hiding for the 2004 killing of a barangay councilor in Las Piñas City. (Photo courtesy of the Las Piñas City Police)
A 60‑year‑old man wanted for the 2004 murder of a barangay councilor in Las Piñas City was arrested in Leyte after more than two decades in hiding.
Las Piñas City Police chief Col. Fermin Armendarez identified the suspect only as "Roger," listed as a provincial and district-level Top Most Wanted Person (TMWP). He was collared at around 7:45 p.m. on July 9 in Barangay Bugho, Julita, Leyte.
Armendarez said the arrest was carried out by tracker teams from the Las Piñas City Police in coordination with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Biliran Provincial Field Unit.
The team was assisted by the Julita Municipal Police Station, the Leyte Police Provincial Office, and the Police Regional Office 8.
He said the operation was launched after intelligence information led authorities to the suspect's location in Leyte.
The suspect was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued by the Las Piñas City Regional Trial Court Branch 202 on Nov. 6, 2025 for murder. The order was signed by Judge Kathryn S. Sabado, with no bail recommended.
According to investigators, the suspect and his brother allegedly killed a barangay councilor in Barangay Almanza Uno, Las Piñas City, in 2004 before fleeing to the province.
The suspect was taken to the Julita Municipal Police Station for documentation and temporary detention while awaiting the issuance of a commitment order from the court.
Southern Police District (SPD) director Brig. Gen. Glenn Oliver Cinco said the arrest highlights the police's unwavering commitment to tracking down fugitives.
"This successful arrest sends a clear and loud message: Time will not erase a crime, and distance will not hide a fugitive. Even after 22 years, our tracker teams will continue to collaborate across regions to hunt down those who flee from the law," Cinco said.

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