2 brothers nabbed over murder of a pastor

CEBU, Philippines —  Authorities have arrested Thursday evening in Minglanilla town two brothers who were allegedly behind the killing of a pastor in Dumanjug last year.

The suspects are identified as Daniel Lañojan, 35, a massage therapist and a resident of Sitio Kamangahan, Barangay Pakigne in Minglanilla town, and his brother, Miguel, 32.

Both were accused of being involved in the killing of a Msgr. Celerino Encarnacion Marco, a pastor, using an unknown firearm on September 13, 2020 in Barangay Liong, Dumanjug.

The Lañojan brothers and the victim reportedly had a personal dispute and jealousy over the leadership of their religious group. The victim reportedly received several death threats eight months before his killing.

The Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group Visayas Field Unit (AKG-VFU) led by its team leader, Police Lieutenant Zosimo Ravanes Jr., arrested the brothers two hours apart in separate barangays.

Since Daniel worked as a massage therapist in Tungkil, Minglanilla, Ravanes arranged for a massage service resulting in the arrest of the former.

Two hours later, Miguel went to the area at around 8 in the evening on Thursday after Ravanes told Daniel to text his brother to go to Barangay Pakigne asked for help for his busted motorcycle.

Miguel was arrested and also did not resist upon the arrest.

Another accused, Abito Lañojan, has not yet been arrested.

The warrant of arrest for murder or the Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code was issued by Judge Anabelle Robles, assisting judge of Regional Trial Court Branch 69 in Barili, Cebu on June 24, 2021 with no bail recommended. — Dominic I. Dilao, UV Intern, GMR (FREEMAN)