Cop in botched trader’s ambush falls

MANILA, Philippines - A police officer who had gone AWOL or absent without official leave following the failed ambush of businesswoman Cristina Decena in 2013 was arrested in Misamis  Oriental yesterday.

Police Officer 1 Melvin Waga was apprehended by members of the Manila Police District (MPD), Highway Patrol Group Region 10 and local policemen in Barangay Manticao at around 11 a.m.

Chief Inspector Rozalino Ibay Jr. of the MPD said Waga’s arrest was made by virtue of a warrant issued by Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 97 Judge Bernilito Fernandez.

Waga, previously assigned with the Pasig police, along with former policemen Henry Quiñonez and Edgar Binalla was allegedly responsible for the failed attempt on the life of Decena.

Decena, her son Danilo and their maid Helen Felesco were in a Starex van at the corner of Banawe and Simoun streets in Sta. Mesa Heights when they were ambushed on Aug. 14, 2013.

The Decenas and the driver were unhurt in the attack. Felesco suffered wounds from shattered glass and bullet fragments.

Quiñonez, a former member of the Special Action Force with the rank of Police Officer 1, and Binalla were arrested in Manila two days after the ambush.

Ibay said they left Manila on Saturday after receiving information that Waga was hiding in Misamis Oriental.

Waga tagged Quiñonez as the mastermind.