NBI arrests 2 for murder of OCW

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested over the weekend a couple for the murder of an overseas contract worker in Tanauan, Batangas.

NBI Director Federico Opinion identified the arrested suspects as Gerry Manalo, 34, alleged triggerman, and his common-law-wife Lumeng Dimapilis, 48, alleged mastermind, both of Barangay Pantay Matanda, Tanauan, Batangas.

According to investigation conducted by the NBI’s Criminal Intelligence Division, the suspects allegedly conspired to murder Stephen Suizo, 37, of Pearl st., Josefa Village, Tanauan, Batangas last April 24.

Suizo was allegedly shot by Manalo on the night of April 24 allegedly on the order of Dimapilis, inside the Yatco Subdivision, also in Tanauan.

Further investigation conducted by NBI lawyer Rustico Vigilia revealed that prior to the murder, the victim had allegedly convinced his close friend, identified only as a certain "JR" and said to be a rich rice dealer, to discontinue his financial assistance to the suspects.

It was learned that JR’s girlfriend is a daughter of Dimapilis. The NBI said that JR was allegedly pressured by his girlfriend to financially support her mother and her common-law-husband. — Mike Frialde