NBI tracks down more suspects in Chua’s murder

The National Bureau of Investigation is now tracking down the other suspects in the abduction and murder last March of University of Santo Tomas Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Mark Welson Chua.

NBI agents said their investigation of the case has been strengthened by the surprise surrender over the weekend of Arnulfo Aparri Jr., one of the suspects.

Though the NBI had earlier said that they are not considering Aparri as a possible state witness at the moment, they said he could help agents track down the other suspects who remain at large.

Last Jan. 31, Aparri and three other UST ROTC cadets, Paul Joseph Tan, Michael Von Rainard Manangbao, and Eduardo Tabrilla; were ordered arrested by Manila Regional Trail Court Judge Edelwina Pastoral for their alleged involvement in Chua’s murder.

Prosecutors, meanwhile, junked the charges against three other suspects, due to "insufficient evidence." They were Patrick Christopher Cruz, Eliseo Pitargue Jr. and Emmanuel Rico Corpuz.

Welson Chua, the victim’s father, told reporters he was happy that the charges have been filed finally but expressed fears that most of the suspects could evade prosecution by going abroad. He cited the case of Manangbao who is now in the United States.

The NBI said they are now working for the possible extradition of Manangbao based on the charges filed.