Ex-policeman tagged in slay deported from US, arrested

A former policeman wanted for allegedly killing a man five years ago was arrested after being deported from the US for violating immigration laws, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said yesterday.

NBI Interpol Division chief Claro de Castro Jr. said suspect Segundo Santiago awaits trial for separate cases of homicide and illegal possession of firearms at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court after he was deported by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last June 27.

De Castro said they received a letter from the Office of Migrant Workers of Department of Foreign Affairs last June 6 requesting the bureau to check on the possible criminal records of Santiago upon learning about his deportation.

The NBI official said records showed there were two standing arrest warrants against the former policeman issued by Quezon City RTC Branches 79 and 97 for his alleged involvement in shooting Eduardo Donato in May 30, 1991.

Santiago, who served as member of Caloocan City police, flew to the US to elude prosecution. Last May 16, he was arrested by authorities in Seattle for immigration law violations, De Castro added.

Escorted by ICE officers, the suspect arrived in Manila last June 29 on a Philippine Airlines flight.

He was then turned over to NBI Interpol.