Suspect in Cainta cop’s slay falls

MANILA, Philippines — The principal suspect in the killing of the deputy chief of the Cainta police was arrested in Taguig City yesterday morning.

Ruben Paglinawan, alias Ruben Tae, 41, was collared in Barangay Bicutan at around 5:20 a.m., according to National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Oscar Albayalde.

Paglinawan admitted to exchanging fire with a group of police officers led by Senior Inspector Jimmy Senosin during a drug operation in Barangay San Andres, Cainta on  Feb. 12.

The suspect claimed he was not sure if he was the one who shot and killed Senosin.

The suspect will be turned over to Superintendent Ray-nold Rosero, chief of the Cainta police, for proper disposition.

Albayalde said a concerned citizen reported to the Police Community Precinct 4 that a man with a bladed weapon was creating trouble in Central Signal, Taguig

Responding police officers seized from the suspect a 29-inch knife.

One of the officers recognized Paglinawan as the man who killed Senosin, according to Taguig police chief Senior Superintendent Alexander Santos.

Earlier, Hermogenes Lachica, alias Ekis, surrendered to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to clear his name.

Lachica told police that he feared for his and his family’s life after they learned that he was tagged as one of the suspects in the murder of Senosin.

A lawyer advised Lachica to surrender to the CIDG headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City.– With Cecille Suerte Felipe