Suspect in killing of House official arrested
Metro Manila, Philippines - The suspect in the killing of an official of the House of Representatives has been arrested in Quezon City, the police reported.
The Quezon City Police District said authorities apprehended two individuals for selling illegal firearms during a buy-bust operation on July 15. They were identified as alias Cris Mark and alias Cedlyn.
Police investigation showed Cris Mark, who assumed the fake identity of “Glenn Balbido Robredo,” was the supposed gunman who killed Mauricio “Morie” Pulhin during the birthday party of the latter’s daughter in June.
Further verification from the police’s system revealed Cris Mark faced murder cases filed in June last year and this year.
Cris Mark and Cedlyn will be charged for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. Cris Mark will also face charges for illegal possession of explosives and for use of a fictitious name.
Step toward justice
House lawmakers on Thursday, July 17, said the family of the slain House panel chief of technical staff is close to achieving justice.
“Let this serve as a clear and unwavering message: those who commit acts of violence against public servants will face the full force of justice. There is no place for fear or impunity in a society that upholds the dignity of public service,” Speaker Martin Romualdez said in a statement.
Romualdez assured that the chamber will not stop until justice is fully served.
La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V, meanwhile, said the development will provide clarity on the crime.
“We want justice syempre kasama natin sa [as he is a colleague in the] House of Representatives and lalong-lalo na para sa [especially for the] family,” Ortega said in a press briefing.
In the police’s initial report in June, two suspects entered the venue of Pulhin’s daughter’s birthday celebration and they left riding a motorcycle after the fatal shooting.
