Brains’ in pharma exec’s slay arrested

MANILA, Philippines — The alleged mastermind in the kidnapping and murder of a chief executive officer of a pharmaceutical company in 2022 was apprehended in Quezon City, police announced yesterday.

Carlo Cadampog, 35, was nabbed in Barangay San Bartolome on Monday, according to Quezon City Police District director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan.

Maranan said operatives of the Novaliches police station collared Cadampog at the parking lot of a mall along Quirino Highway.

Police then served Cadampog’s warrant of arrest issued by Judge Nevic Adolfo of the Regional Trial Court Branch 83 in Tanauan City, Batangas.

No bail was recommended for the temporary liberty of the suspect.

Cadampog and nine others were implicated in the killing of Eduardo Tolosa, CEO of Iraseth Pharma Inc.

Tolosa had with him P5.7 million in cash and two expensive watches when he went missing in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig on July 19, 2022.

Probers said Tolosa’s body was burned for three days at a farm in Sto. Tomas, Batangas in an effort by the suspects to hide the crime.

The victim’s vehicle was found burned in San Luis, Pampanga.

Cadampog, his brother Cesar, Adrian Joseph Mendez, Richmel Riel Ignilan, Jomer Vizcarra and Aldrin Antonio were indicted as principal suspects.

John Benedict Dumalanta and Victor Ferrer were named accomplices. David Gundran Jr. and Melvin Andes were charged as accessories to the crime.

Cadampog admitted being aware of the warrant issued by the court for his arrest. He declined to answer when asked why he went into hiding.