Two suspects behind killing of Aparri vice mayor and 5 others in 2023 arrested

Cagayan, Philippines – Two men tagged behind the ambush of Aparri Vice Mayor and his five companions are now under police custody, two years after the killing happened.

On Tuesday, March 25, the Police Regional Office II announced they arrested the leader and member of the De Guzman Group which was identified by the authorities as a Potential Private Armed Group. The two suspects were hidden under the name ‘Ramon’, the leader of said group and ‘George’ who is a member of the organization. Both are from Nueva Ecija.

The two have arrest warrants for the ambush of late Aparri, Cagayan Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda and his five security escorts on February 19, 2023, in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya.

At that time, Alameda and his five companions were on board a black Hyundai Starex when their vehicle was sprayed with bullets along the highway. The six victims sustained fatal wounds from the incident.

Two years after the ambush, the police operatives finally caught the suspects in a manhunt operation in Barangay Luna, Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija on March 25. No bail was recommended for the two accused for the six counts of murder filed against them.

PRO 2 Regional Director, PBGen. Antonio Marallag Jr., in a statement, expressed that the successful operation is a testament to the authorities’ efforts to dismantle armed groups.

"This operation underscores our relentless efforts to dismantle Potential Private Armed Groups that pose a significant threat to public safety. I commend our operatives and partner agencies for their dedication and coordination in this manhunt,” he conveyed as he assured the people that the police remain committed to their mission of protecting the region and that no one is beyond the reach of the law.