Suspect in slay try on reporter arrested

MANILA, Philippines - A man suspected of participating in the attack on reporter Fernan Angeles last March 11 was arrested by Pasig City police Saturday.

The man – known only by his alias, Junior Praning – and his companions, Eddie Kabayo and Marlon Garcia, were arrested in a drug bust, according to a source at the Eastern Police District (EPD). The source said Praning was carrying P21,000 at the time of his arrest.

Praning is the second suspect to be detained in connection with the attack on Angeles. Days after the reporter was shot and beaten, Faisal Sangcopan surrendered and was charged with frustrated murder before the Pasig prosecutor’s office.

Angeles, accompanied by his wife, Gemma, went to the Pasig City police headquarters and identified Praning as one of his attackers but a member of the city police’s anti-drug unit denied the man they were holding was Praning.

“I find it strange for the anti-drug operatives to make a claim that the suspect under their custody isn’t the same person who shot me… They are acting as if they’re the suspect’s defense lawyers,” he said.

Angeles said Praning was allowed the use of a cell phone while in detention, and that the policemen shooed them out of the police station.

Superintendent Alfredo Calamaan, Pasig City police officer-in-charge, has yet to submit a report on the arrest of Praning and his two companions to EPD director Chief Superintendent Miguel Laurel.