Accomplice in Laguna killing falls

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Philippines – Police arrested the alleged accomplice of the brother of the city treasurer here tagged in the killing of the father-in-law of a reporter of a national newspaper last Sunday morning.

Superintendent Marvin Saro, Calamba City police chief, said eyewitnesses tagged construction worker Carlos Manjares, 43, as the one who drove the getaway motorcycle along with his cousin, Victorino Manjares, the alleged triggerman.

Saro said Carlos denied any hand in the killing of city hall employee Jaime Herrera, 57, father-in-law of Philippine Daily Inquirer reporter Marlon Ramos.

Saro said murder charges were filed yesterday against the Manjares cousins before the city prosecutor’s office.

He said Carlos was arrested in his house in Barangay Punta after a hot pursuit operation on Monday morning.

Saro said probers have yet to establish the motive behind Herrera’s killing, but added they are eyeing personal grudge and work-related issues.

Herrera was gunned down while seated in his Toyota Revo in front of the house of city treasurer Percy Adriano at around 9 a.m. last Sunday.