Suspect in teener’s rape-slay arrested

One of three suspects in the rape-slaying of a 12-year-old student in Plaridel, Bulacan has been arrested by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

The suspect, Rodelio Tamayo, 27, was nabbed in his residence in the Plaridel poblacion (town proper). He is now detained at the NBI jail.

His two alleged cohorts, one of them identified as one Noel Peralta, are still being hunted down.

The victim, Ma. Yvette Pontillas, a first year high school student at St. James Academy, was found dead with 46 stab wounds at the Catholic cemetery in Plaridel.

Witnesses claimed having seen Tamayo, Peralta and a third man coming out of the cemetery moments after the girl was found dead.

A classmate of the victim told probers that she saw her with the suspects on board a tricycle.

Last Aug. 7, the NBI filed murder charges against the suspects with the Plaridel Municipal Trial Court. Judge Luisito Cortez subsequently issued warrants of arrest for the suspects. — Edu Punay