Suspect in Ayungon ambush nabbed after his wedding

CEBU, Philippines — Authorities on Saturday arrested a man "strongly identified" as a suspect behind the July-18 ambush-slay of four policemen in Ayungon, Negros Oriental.

The suspect, identified as Jojo Ogatis, was arrested in a joint combat operation by the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-7's Striking Force and the Philippine Army's 94th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Yamot, Barangay Mabato, Ayungon.

Ogatis was nabbed right after his wedding.

In a press conference Saturday, Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 Director Debold Sinas presented to the local media the witness who led authorities to Ogatis' arrest.

The witness, whose identity was concealed for security reasons, claimed he saw 11 people beating up and killing policemen Relebert Beronio, Raffy Callao, Ruel Cabellon, and Marquino de Leon.

The witness further claimed that he recognized five of the 11 people, among them was Ogatis.

"Sumala sa akong nakita, mao jud na ilang binuhatan. Moana man na sila na ug kinsay motug-an patyon,” the witness told reporters.

Asked if the witness could verify the alleged rebels arrested Thursday in Badian, Sinas said that they have yet to validate the witness' testimonies.

Ogatis is now detained in Mabinay town, Negros Oriental.

Meanwhile, on the same day, an armed man identified as certain Edmar Acibo Amaro was also arrested in a separate operation, also in Ayungon town.

A rifle grenade, a caliber .38 revolver, a "PKP 50" (Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas 50) uniform, and a pair of combat shoes were recovered from the suspect. (FREEMAN)