Ex-kagawad arrested after 4 years in hiding

CEBU, Philippines - A former barangay councilman who was placed as number 2 on the San Remigio police list of most wanted persons has fallen into the hands of the authorities Wednesday afternoon in Barangay Sab-a, San Remigio.

Ranilo Cogal, 37, also known as Ran-ran, of the same barangay, was taken into police custody by virtue of a warrant of arrest for the crime of murder that was issued by Judge Antonio Marigomen of Regional Trial Court Branch 7 in Bogo City.

The police presented and turned him over to the court yesterday.

Police Officer 2 Gorge Cataraja, one of the arresting officers, told The FREEMAN that Cogal eluded arrest for around four years after he allegedly shot to death his relative in 2012.

Cataraja added the suspect kept hopping from one place to another outside Cebu, which made it difficult for the authorities to hunt him.

He said they launched the operation after receiving information from a concerned citizen that Cogal arrived in his house in Barangay Sab-a.

When police arrived in the area, Cogal reportedly did not show aggression or refusal during the arrest.

Cataraja recalled that Cogal allegedly shot a relative during a disco event.

Cogal immediately fled following the incident.

Cataraja said that the victim’s family has already signed an affidavit of desistance after they lost interest in proceeding with the criminal case.

The court, however, has yet to issue its judgment on the case.

Cataraja confirmed that Cogal was a former councilman of the same barangay. (FREEMAN)