The suspect for allegedly stabbing a former university president in Northern Samar has been arrested, police said Monday.
According to the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office information, the suspect was identified as Alvin Plandez, 22, a construction worker.
Rolando Delorino, 64, former president of the University of Eastern Philippines, was found dead early Sunday morning at his house in Barangay Dalakit in Catarman town.
The victim was taken to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Plandez was arrested at 4:10 pm the same day at Sitio Tara in Barangay Dalakit. He allegedly confessed to the crime.
CCTV footage taken at the victim’s house helped the police investigation to identify the suspect.
Plandez was previously jailed for attempted homicide in July 2019 but was released from jail only in April.
According to Col. Arnel Apud, provincial director of the Northern Samar Police, Plandez was last arrested but posted bail in February.
“Base po sa salaysay ng suspek, meron po siyang sinasabi na nautusan po siya ng isang kumander ng NPA (New People’s Army) na patayin po ang former president ng UEP kasi daw po, ‘pag di niya po ginawa ang kaniyang pamilya ay papatayin lahat,” said Apud.
Suspect arrested in murder of former university president in Northern Samar
“Meron po siyang pinangalanan, a certain commander Pili. Yun po ang sinabi niyang pangalan, at ito po ay ating vina-validate.”
Authorities are still investigating the suspect’s connection to the NPA, who is currently detained by the Catarman PNP and is scheduled to be subjected to inquest proceedings today.
The provincial police extended their condolences to Delorino’s family.
Apud ordered that other possible angles of the crime be thoroughly investigated and whether there are others involved.
Meanwhile, a body was found Monday morning from a burnt cargo vessel at Delpan Wharf in Tondo, Manila.
According to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson Comm. Armand Balilo, the body, has not been identified yet.
The ship caught fire while docked at the pier, in which at least 6 were injured and one crew missing.
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