9 suspects in Apayao massacre fall

BAGUIO CITY – Policemen have arrested all nine suspects in the massacre of three farmers, whose bodies were torched after being shot to death last July 21 in Apayao province.

Cordillera police spokesperson Superintendent Davvy Limmong said the latest suspects to be arrested were identified as Tubban Luban, Marcelo Luban, Alex Luban, and Charlie Iguad.

A teenager and four others identified as Dionisio Bernal, Bryan Bernal, Beltran Francisco and Divira Dandan had been arrested last week.

Limmong said murder charges have been filed against the suspects who are now detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Apayao.

Farmers Felix Matulot, 75; Jayson Acob, 29; and Rogelio Rupad, 39, all from Lower Maton, Pudtol town were shot to death and burned by the suspects due to disagreements with the local “no fishing code” called “lapat” at a river system in Sitio Magabobong, Upper Maton, Pudtol.

A fourth victim, 44-year-old Elevencio Matulot, was able to flee from the near-death situation and report the killings to the authorities.