Suspect in killing of Baguio coed arrested

MANILA, Philippines – A quarrel over sharing of loot among gangmates led to the squealing and eventual arrest of the principal suspect in the stabbing to death of a 15-year-old high school student at the height of a robbery operation in Baguio City last year.

The suspect, Roderick Caramonte, alias Jawo, 18, a member of the dreaded “Pinoy True Crips” gang, did not resist arrest when cornered by elements of the Station 7 and intelligence branch of the Baguio City police at No. 49 Happy Homes at about 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

Caramonte was positively identified by another suspect, Kenneth Sacyang, 18, and other gang members as the principal suspect in the murder of Valerie Manuel Calpito, 15.

The killing of Calpito along Legarda Road on Nov. 15, 2008 drew public outcry in Baguio City, especially from her family and human rights advocates.

Senior Superintendent Enrico Sala­pong, Baguio City police chief said Sac­yang was arrested but Caramonte went into hiding.

Caramonte was charged with murder before the Baguio City Regional Trial Court Branch 59, which issued an arrest warrant against him.

For killing Calpito, Caramonte earned the distinction as the most wanted person in Baguio City this year.

In his report to Salapong, Chief Inspector Engelbert Soriano, Station 7 commander said their gangmates tipped him off of the whereabouts of Sacyang and Caramonte who allegedly shortchanged their comrades of their loot. – With Artemio Dumlao