Kin of 29-year old murdered in 2023 gets justice with suspect’s arrest

The family of a 29-year-old man who was killed in 2023 saw justice served after authorities arrested the murder suspect.

According to a report Monday on 24 Oras, the family of Enrico Cruz sought the assistance of Kapuso Action Man Emil Sumangil following the issuance of an arrest warrant against suspect Celso (not his real name). 

“Lalabas lang yata may pupuntahang mga kaibigan. Sa una, di ko malaman kung anong klaseng pakiramdam. Parang namamanhid ka na para kang nanginginig. Naramdaman ko na kung gano kasakit sa magulang na makita mo 'yung anak mo na ganun ang kalagayan,” Michael Cruz, the victim’s father, said.

(He told us he was just going to meet some friends. At first, I didn't know how to feel. I felt numb. It was painful for a parent to see his child in that condition.)

A CCTV footage caught the suspect’s car allegedly follow the victim who was riding his motorcycle on the night of the incident. 

According to Michael, “Celso” was a close friend of his son and the building contractor of his house. He said this could be the motive for the killing. 

“Halos fully-paid na talaga sila pero 'yung bahay di pa tapos,” he added. 

(My son was almost fully paid but the house was not finished.)

The victim’s family filed a murder charge against Celso, which yielded an arrest warrant after one year.  He was apprehended early February. 

“Nag-conduct ng initial surveillance 'yung ating otoridad at na-identify nila na nandun 'yung suspek at wala naman resistance during the conduct of the arrest,” Police Colonel Felipe Marggun, Rizal PPO Provincial Director, said.  

(We conducted an initial surveillance and we identified the suspect. There was no resistance during the arrest.)

GMA Integrated News reached out to the suspect but he declined to comment.

“Sa bandang huli, naniniwala pa rin tayo sa batas, eh. Nagpapasalamat ako nang lubos lalong-lalo na kay Sir Emil, sa kaniyang mga kasamahan, na talagang nakasuporta at ramdam namin ang pagtulong sa amin. Sa pagkakaaresto nitong suspek,” said Michael. 
 

(In the end, we still have faith in the law. I am grateful especually to Sir Emil and his colleagues for supporting and helping us arrest the suspect.)—Sundy Locus/RF, GMA Integrated News