• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Police have arrested two of four suspects wanted for the murder of Joe Arnel Gawan, a kagawad of Barangay Santa Rosa in Murcia, Negros Occidental, in January, authorities confirmed Aug. 12.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said operatives arrested the first suspect, alias “Jo”, 42, a construction worker and listed as the 9th Most Wanted Person at the regional level, at around 7:50 p.m. Aug. 10, in Barangay Zone 2.
The second suspect, alias “Angi”, 52, also a construction worker, was collared at about 8:45 p.m. Aug. 11, also in the barangay.
Both are residents of Purok Relocation in Barangay Santa Rosa.
Gawan was shot dead at around 10:25 a.m. Jan. 26 after he alighted from a vehicle following a community cleanup drive in Purok Puncian, Barangay Santa Rosa. The police formed Special Investigation Task Group Gawan, filed murder charges against four suspects Feb. 13, and launched a manhunt.
PRO-NIR director, P/Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, said the manhunt continues for the two remaining suspects. “The arrest of the accused is a significant step forward in our pursuit of justice for Gawan. But our work does not end here. We will continue to pursue every lead, strengthen our intelligence and investigative efforts, and intensify operations to locate the remaining accused.” | TMD
