Suspect long-sought by authorities in tricycle driver’s slaying, nabbed in Caloocan

• A 43-year-old man, who had been on Metro Manila’s 4th most wanted list, was arrested in Caloocan City for the fatal shooting of a tricycle driver several months prior

• Authorities meticulously tracked the suspect through various hideouts in Bulacan and Cavite, eventually apprehending him in Caloocan after receiving a tip-off about his return

• The arrest is linked to the December 2024 killing of a 44-year-old tricycle driver in Bagong Silang, Caloocan, who was allegedly ambushed and shot multiple times while operating his vehicle

• The apprehended individual reportedly has a history of prior arrests, including charges related to illegal possession of firearms and drug violations, underscoring his established criminal background

A 43-year-old man, identified by authorities as a long-sought suspect in the fatal shooting of a tricycle driver several months prior, has been apprehended in Caloocan City.

The arrest concludes a period of extensive hiding for the individual, who was listed among Metro Manila’s most wanted persons.

Operatives from the Northern Police District Special Operation Unit conducted the successful operation in a section of Barangay 176-B.

Law enforcement officials located their target, who was the subject of an active arrest warrant, seated in a tricycle.

Upon identification, the suspect was immediately subdued and taken into custody. Police Lieutenant Colonel Alain Licdan, who heads the Northern Police District - District Special Operation Unit, detailed the efforts involved in tracking the fugitive.

“We learned that he had been hiding in parts of Santa Maria, Bulacan, and here in Cavite,” Licdan stated, indicating the suspect’s pattern of moving between locations to evade capture. “He would frequently move until we received a tip-off that he was returning home on Saturdays and Sundays. So, our team staked out and waited for him.”

The arrest stems from an investigation into the shooting death of a 44-year-old tricycle driver in Bagong Silang, Caloocan, which occurred in December 2024.

According to initial findings, the suspect allegedly ambushed the victim while the latter was operating his tricycle.

The victim was reportedly shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene of the crime.

Authorities have yet to establish a definitive motive behind the fatal assault, as investigations into the underlying reasons for the shooting remain ongoing.

The apprehended individual holds a significant position on the police’s most wanted list, ranking fourth among Metro Manila’s high-priority targets.

His criminal record reportedly includes prior encounters with the law; he was previously taken into custody on charges related to illegal possession of firearms and violations concerning illegal drug5.

This earlier history underscores his established involvement in criminal activities.

Following the successful execution of the arrest warrant, authorities have formally submitted the return of the warrant to the court.

They are now awaiting a commitment order from the judiciary, which will direct the suspect's formal transfer to a detention facility pending legal proceedings.

The apprehension marks a key development in bringing accountability for the fatal December 2024 shooting.

The diligent efforts of the Northern Police District’s Special Operation Unit in tracking and apprehending a fugitive underscore law enforcement’s sustained commitment to addressing violent crimes and ensuring justice for victims in the region.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, a mother and daughter who were on their way to church in the morning of June 15, Sunday, were gunned down. The assailants are still unknown, and authorities are still investigating the incident. According to the report of Brigada News PH, the incident happened in Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur. Barangay officials said that the gunmen quickly escaped using a motorcycle.

Still in other news, former police patrolman and vlogger Francis Steve Fontillas was arrested on Monday under a warrant for inciting to sedition charges, related to social media posts critical of the government and police leadership. The charges stemmed from alleged “seditious statements” on Facebook where Fontillas, while reportedly wearing a police uniform, threatened to destabilize the government and Interpol, causing “unrest in the community.” Fontillas’ remarks reportedly followed news of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte, with Fontillas allegedly vowing “war” against the ICC and Interpol if they pursued the former president. PNP Chief General Nicolas Torre III described Fontillas’ actions as an “isolated case” and an “aberration” within the 220,000-strong police force, emphasizing the professionalism of the organization.

Source: KAMI.com.gh