Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 14) — Authorities have arrested another suspect in the ambush of a Remate Online photojournalist that killed his four-year-old nephew last June 29 in Barangay Masambong, Quezon City.
READ: 4-year-old nephew of photojournalist dies after QC ambush
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on Friday identified the suspect as Jomari Dela Cruz, a 24-year-old resident of Poblacion, Muntinlupa City.
Dela Cruz was arrested around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday at Solid North Transit Bus Terminal in Cubao, Quezon City.
According to the report, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (PNP-CIDU) conducted a follow-up operation after receiving information that the suspect will arrive at a bus terminal after hiding in Pangasinan.
\”Surveillance in the area was done and at 4:30 p.m., Dela Cruz was seen walking in front of the bus terminal,\” the QCPD statement read. \” Police operatives approached him and after introducing themselves, they arrested Dela Cruz.\”
Authorities recovered a 9mm caliber pistol, eight rounds of live ammunition, and one magazine placed in his gray sling bag.
Last July 7, the QCPD arrested another alleged gunman identified as Eduardo Almario Legazpi II, a 31-year-old resident of Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
This was after police reviewed CCTV footage of the incident that showed a clear copy of Legazpi’s image. Police said it led them to track down the escape route of the suspects, who fled the crime scene on board a Toyota Vios and Yamaha Mio motorcycle.
A .45 caliber pistol, seven live ammunition, and a hand grenade were recovered from Legazpi.
The two arrested suspects are now under the custody of the PNP-CIDU.
Violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) is being prepared against Dela Cuz while violations of R.A. 10591 and R.A. 9516 (Unlawful Possession of Firearms, Ammunition and Explosives) have been filed against Almario.
The QCPD earlier said it will file murder and frustrated murder complaints against eight suspects in the ambush, including a former barangay chairman tagged as the mastermind.
READ: Police: Ex-barangay chief ‘mastermind’ in ambush on photojournalist; ‘gunman’ arrested
