Suspect pleads not guilty to slay of reporter’s husband

MANILA, Philippines - The suspect in the killing of the husband of a reporter for the Pilipino Star Ngayon pleaded not guilty during his arraignment last week, according to information released to the media yesterday.

An employee at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 81 said suspect Rodrigo Cruz entered his plea on the murder case filed against him before Judge Madonna Echiverri on Jan. 6.

Cruz is the suspect in the stabbing of Alexander de la Cruz, husband of reporter Angie de la Cruz, on Oct. 11, 2002.

De la Cruz said the suspect, who evaded arrest for 13 years, was recently arrested in Baliuag, Bulacan.