Suspected allies of Indian killer arrested in Arayat

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Two alleged cohorts of the killer of an Indian national were nabbed by Arayat police in Barangay Arenas, Arayat town, Wednesday afternoon.

Senior Superintendent Keith Ernald Singian, Pampanga provincial police director, identified the two suspects as Felipe Aguirre and Danilo Mangune, both 55, and residents of said barangay. 

The two were arrested by Arayat police as accessories of the killing of Balbir Singh, 28, of Barangay Balibago, Angeles City. They are facing charges of robbery and homicide.

The gunman, identified as only Ka Taruc is the subject of a massive manhunt operation by police, Singian said.

The victim Singh was engaged in small scale money lending business and was on board his motorcycle (ZE 4905) whose main route of trade is Arayat. 

Taruc shot to death Singh with the use of a 9mm caliber  pistol as evidenced by the recovered empty shell from the crime scene. 

Prior to the killing, the suspects were having a drinking spree at the said barangay when Taruc asked his two companions to remain on said place while he will be out on the street for sometime. 

Taruc then went out and chanced upon Singh on board his motorcycle and suddenly blocked his path then shot him at close range on his left temple. 

The victim died on the spot, said Singian. 

Taruc carted away the victim’s undetermined cash collections from his lending business and fled to an unknown direction. 

Police records showed the three suspects were charged before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, City of San Fernando for a case of robbery resulting to homicide under inquest proceedings.      – Ric Sapnu