Suspect in reporter’s slay nabbed in drug sting

MANILA, Philippines – The principal suspect in the killing of a female reporter in Bataan last year was arrested in a drug sting on Friday.

Inocencio Bendo, alias Bandio, 40, a resident of Sitio Torres, Barangay San Juan in Samal town, is being held at Camp Tolentino, Senior Superintendent Rhodel Sermonia, Bataan police director, told a press conference on Monday.

Sermonia said Bendo was among the 18 most wanted persons, including 11 drug suspects, arrested in the police operation.

He said 17 sachets of suspected shabu and four sachets of dried marijuana were also recovered from the suspects.

Nerlie Ledesma, a reporter of Abante and local radio commentator, was gunned down while waiting for a ride to work in Sitio San Rafael, Tuyo, Balanga City on Jan. 8, 2015.

Bendo, tagged as the gunman in the killing,  was arrested a week after the incident, but released after the evidence presented against him was found to be insufficient.