Suspect in gruesome Albay killings arrested by NBI

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday announced the arrest of one of the most wanted criminals in the Bicol region who was allegedly involved in the killing and kidnapping of several people. 

NBI deputy spokesperson Gertrude Manandeg presented suspect Ruel Cabrillas at a press conference after his arrest in Laguna on Monday, January 29, via a joint operation by the NBI Bicol Regional Office and Laguna District Office.

Cabrillas is allegedly responsible for the deaths of brothers Gilbert and Glen Quinzon who both went missing in June 2021. The chopped up remains of the Albay contractors and several other people were recovered a year after their disappearance in a remote portion of Libon, a town in the province. 

The suspect is also allegedly linked to the brutal killings of Newin and Marlon Ansay, both from Minalabac, Camarines Sur. 

“Cabrillas is alleged to be a member of Gilbert Concepcion’s group. Concepcion and his group are suspects in the killings of approximately 30 purported police assets in Libon,” Manandeg said. 

Two members of the criminal group—Emmanuel “Aga” Concepcion and Jeffrey Saysay—were neutralized in General Trias, Cavite through joint operations of authorities on November 14, 2021.

Gilbert Concepcion was killed in a shootout with police last week in Paranaque City.

NBI Bicol filed a case against Cabrillas, Saysay, Gilbert and Emmanuel Concepcion for the “special complex crime of kidnapping with murder.” 

On January 18, 2024, the Regional Trial Court in Ligao City issued a warrant of arrest against Cabrillas for kidnapping with murder.

Manandeg said NBI Bicol received a lead that Cabrillas was hiding in Canlubang, Laguna. 

“Cabrillas, during the arrest, voluntarily surrendered himself. He further disclosed that he was using the name ‘Ruel Arrellano’ to evade apprehension,” the NBI official said.—RF, GMA Integrated News