Man on the run for 9 years after killing neighbor nabbed in Cavite

A man on the run for killing his neighbor in 2015 was arrested by authorities in Tanza, Cavite, Emil Sumangil reported Wednesday on 24 Oras.

The suspect was identified as Lito Equiran, who police said they were able to locate after he told his drinking companions that he previously killed someone.

“Ang ating suspek daw, tuwing nalalasing, ay nagkakaroon ng pagkukwento na sya raw ay may pinatay somewhere in Cavite,” said Police Major Edgar Escreza, Assistant Force Commander of the Eastern Police District Mobile Force Battalion. 

(We received information that when the suspect was under the influence of alcohol, he would tell stories that he killed someone in Cavite.)

“Ni-report at vinalidate natin at napag alaman na may standing warrant of arrest nga for homicide,” Escreza added.

(We validated the report and we found he has a standing arrest warrant for homicide.)

Equiran did not resist when he was arrested by a team from the EPD Mobile Force Battalion in broad daylight.

Ronalyn Vinarao, the victim’s daughter, believes jealousy might be Equiran’s motive for killing her father, who she described as a man who was by nature someone who was generous to others.

“’Yung biktima natin, ay may tinutulungan na pamilya, dun din nakikita ang suspek, nagkaroon daw ng konting pagseselos...Hindi na nakapag pigil ang suspek… pinagsasaksak na ang biktima,” said Escreza.

(The victim was helping a family. The suspect, who was staying with the family, supposedly became jealous and when he could not contain himself stabbed the victim to death.)

Meanwhile, the victim's family said they almost lost hope that justice will be served.

“Akala ko po talaga is wala nang mangyayari, ipinasa-Diyos ko na... imagine from 2015 to 2024,” the victim’s daughter added.

(I really thought nothing would happen to our case. I left it to God. It took nine years.)

GMA Integrated News sought the suspect’s comment but he declined. He, however, talked to the victim’s daughter via video conference where he asked for forgiveness.

“Humingi siya ng patawad. Naku-konsensiya  na raw po siya,” she added.

(He asked for forgiveness. He said he was feeling guilt for what he did.)—Sundy Locus/RF, GMA Integrated News