CPPO team nabs another suspect

CEBU, Philippines - The proverbial long arm of the law caught another suspect in the killing of former Compostela town Mayor Joselito Reynes Thursday afternoon.

While he may be a suspect in the killing, Ely Doncillo Ardita, has another headache to deal with, a complaint for carnapping as the Honda XRM motorcycle he was driving during the arrest was reported stolen, two years ago.

The arrest was made by personnel from the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch (PIDMB) of the Cebu Provincial Police Office in barangay Poblacion, Compostela.

CPPO Director Erson Digal said that the PIDMB headed by SPO4 Lamberto Hibaya received information that the motorcycle allegedly used by the gunman in the killing of Reynes was seen in barangay Poblacion of the said town.

The police immediately set up a dragnet and flagged Ardita on the road and asked to see the papers of the motorcycle he was using.

Ardita failed to present the papers of the vehicle and reportedly claimed that the motorcycle was bought by his mother.

The clothes that he wore at the time of the arrest also matched the description of the attire of the gunman during the killing last August 2.

Reynes was killed late evening on that day shortly after he parked his car along the highway.

Reynes, who served as mayor of the northern town from 1980 to 1986 and served as councilor from 2001 to 2010, was shot thrice by a man riding in tandem on a motorcycle.

Ardita was wearing a camouflage jacket, denim pants, a ball cap and rubber shoes.

The police would not, however, tag him as the gunman as they are still trying to gather more evidence.

There is strong belief that the killing was politically motivated although the police are looking into other angles.

Reynes served as campaign manager and spokesman of Joel Quiño, who won as mayor of the town, but hasn’t been able to assume office due to a protest filed by defeated re-electionist mayor Ritchie Wagas. (THE FREEMAN)