Murder suspect falls after 10 years

MANILA, Philippines - A man tagged in the killing of his brother-in-law in Ilocos Norte finally fell into police hands in Taguig City after 10 years of hiding, a police official said yesterday.

Chief Inspector Ruben Lacuesta, head of the Southern Police District’s investigation division, said Emiterio Bagay, 53, was nabbed in his lair in South Signal Village last Sunday.

Bagay is wanted for the slaying of his brother-in-law identified as Jackson Ravina in Burgos, Ilocos Norte in 2002. Judge Jose Pilar of the Ilocos Norte regional trial court issued a warrant for his arrest in 2011.

Lacuesta said the suspect denied killing Ravina.

“We are still investigating if Ravina was a supporter of any politician or political group,” Lacuesta told The STAR.

Bagay is one of the most wanted persons in Region 1 with a P90,000 bounty on his head. He is also wanted by the Ilocos Norte Provincial Anti-Private Armed Group Task Force.

According to Lacuesta, the suspect worked for a gun-for-hire syndicate operating in Ilocos Norte and neighboring provinces in Region 1.

“The group is allegedly responsible for some sensational killings in Ilocos Norte which remain unsolved to this day,” Lacuesta said.