Suspect in QC shooting of photojournalist nabbed

Authorities on Tuesday announced the arrest of one of the suspects behind the shooting of photojournalist Rene Joshua Abiad and his relatives in Quezon City on June 29.

In a press conference, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III identified the suspect as Eduardo Almario Legazpi II, 31, a resident of Ilaya, Alabang, in Muntinlupa City.

Torre said the suspect was a professional gun for hire. Almario was arrested on July 7 after a week-long manhunt operation conducted by joint operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU), District Intelligence Division (DID), and District Special Operations Unit (DSOU).

“The team reviewed CCTV Footages obtained from OKADA where the Abiad Family initially came from, to the High Grounds Café until they reached the crime scene,” QCPD said in a statement.

This also included a clear copy of Almario’s image.

“These led them to track down the escape route of the suspects who were on board a Toyota Vios and MIO motorcycle from the crime scene. The suspects took the Quezon Avenue Skyway and exited at San Pedro, Laguna, heading to Magsaysay Road, Muntinlupa City,” it added.

The operatives coordinated with the Southern Police District and Police Regional Office (PRO-4A). The image was shown to an informant, who led the group to Almario’s residence, which resulted in his arrest.

Authorities recovered one calibre .45 pistol, seven live ammunition, a belt bag and one grenade Hand Frag M26A1 from the suspect.

He is now in the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) custody.

“Almario will be charged with violations of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and Republic Act 9516 or the Unlawful Possession of Firearms, Ammunition, and Explosives have been filed against Almario before the Muntinlupa City Prosecutor’s Office while cases of Murder and three (3) counts of Frustrated Murder will be filed before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office,” QCPD noted.

Meanwhile, according to a "24 Oras" report,  a search operation is still ongoing for the possible arrest of the other suspects. The current investigation, however, shows that the mastermind of the shooting is a former Barangay Chairman in Pasay City alias "Nanad” who allegedly contracted Legazpi’s team to ambush Abiad.

“Personal grudge ng ex-barangay captain because Josh is supposedly associated with people who are always lambasting the ex-barangay captain,” said Torre.

On June 29, the victim,  Abiad, a photographer for Remate Online, was riding in a car with some relatives when another vehicle blocked their way in Barangay Masambong around 3 p.m.

A man wearing a black jacket exited the car and started firing at them before fleeing. A motorcycle rider was also seen serving as a lookout. 

The police said six other victims were inside the vehicle, including three minors. One of the minors was hit by a bullet in the head and died a few days after the attack. 

A bystander was also hit by a stray bullet, according to the police. —VAL, GMA Integrated News