Suspect in fatal Caloocan shooting nabbed using cellphone locator, social media

A suspect in the killing of one man in Caloocan City was located and arrested in Pampanga with the use of his cellphone’s locator and his social media account.

According to a 24 Oras report by Emil Sumangil on Tuesday, the suspect was arrested for allegedly shooting a man to death in Dagat-Dagatan, Caloocan on Monday night.

CCTV footage reportedly showed the suspect fleeing the crime scene on a motorcycle.

“Akala ko magpapahangin lang siya. Yumuko lang ako. Pag yuko ko, doon na bumunot [at] doon na siya nagpaputok,” said “Ben”, a witness.

(I thought he was only getting some air. As soon as I lowered my head, he pulled out a gun [and] started shooting.)

Police used the locator of the suspect’s cellphone and his social media presence to trace his whereabouts.

“Tumakbo sa Mabalacat, Pampanga… Based sa napag tanungan natin, doon po talaga umuuwi ang suspek,” said Caloocan Police Chief Police Colonel Paul Jady Doles.

(He fled to Mabalacat, Pampanga… The people we asked said that’s where the suspect lives.)

“Hindi namin matutunton exactly kung saan yung pamamahay ng tao… pero due to social media accounts, na-trace namin sa Facebook account niya na doon po nakatira ang kapatid niya,” added Sangandaan Police Station Commander Police Captain Mikko Arellano.

(We weren’t able to locate the suspect’s exact address… but due to social media, we were able to trace where he was using his Facebook account that indicated his sibling also lives there.)

Investigators said a conflict connected to illegal drugs is a possible motive behind the killing.

“[It could be] revenge, dahil sabi ng biktimang namatay, sinabihan itong suspek, ‘Hindi ka na aabutin ng pasko’,” said Northern Police District Director Police Colonel Josefino Ligan.

([It could be] revenge, because the late victim threatened the suspect with the words, ‘You won’t reach Christmas.’)

“Kanina lang, very cooperative. Suddenly, noong nandito [ang media], parang iba na… Makikita natin ang personality ng isang medyo professional. Meron siyang involvement sa murder, nakulong sa drugs,” added NPD Deputy Director for Operations Police Colonel Villaflor Banawagan.

(He was very cooperative earlier. Suddenly, when [the media] arrived, it’s like he changed… We can see the personality of a professional. He is involved with murder, and was previously detained due to drugs.)

Meanwhile, the suspect denied the accusations.

“Sana mahuli yung totoong gumagawa… hindi ako yung gumawa,” said the suspect.

(I hope the real suspect gets caught soon… I didn’t do it.) —Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News