Gunman in barangay chairman’s murder nabbed

Police have arrested one of two suspects in the murder of a barangay chairman who was shot dead last Monday in Caloocan City.

Andy Bernardo, 25, who was tagged as the gunman, was nabbed last Tuesday at a hideout in Deparo, Caloocan City. Mayor Enrico Echiverri presented him to reporters yesterday.

Last Monday, Bernardo walked up to Lauro del Rosario, 46, from behind and shot him once in the temple with a .45 caliber pistol at close range while Del Rosario was unloading goods in front of his store, also in Deparo, at around 6 a.m.

He then fled aboard a waiting motorcyle driven by alleged accomplice, identified as Jonjon Osario, who remains at large and is now being hunted by the police.

Del Rosario was taken to Bernardino General Hospital but died along the way.

Superintendent Jimili Macaraeg, chief of the Northern Police District’s intelligence and investigation division, said Bernardo murdered Del Rosario for sending him to prison for drug trafficking. Bernardo, who was released only last month, had vowed revenge.

Witnesses have also positively identified Bernardo as the gunman. Echiverri commended the police, led by Superintendent Napoleon Cuaton, for Bernardo’s arrest and ordered them to track down his accomplice.

Police have filed murder charges with the Caloocan City prosecutor’s office.