The seven suspects in the murder of the former director of the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) have been charged, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said Tuesday.
According to QCPD director Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo, was charged with a double murder at the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office as follows:
• Sonny Sandicho
• Clarita Avila (NCMH Chief Administrative Office)
• George Serrano (NCMH employee)
• Harly Pagarigan (NCMH employee)
• Roman Eugenio
• Cristina Riego
• Edieson Riego
According to Montejo, the killing of former NCMH director Roland Cortez and its driver Ernesto dela Cruz on July 27 in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City, was work-related.
The suspects were identified with the help of witnesses’ statements, and physical evidence gathered, Montejo said.
It is said that the police arrested only one of the suspects while the others are still being pursued.
Several other people are being investigated by the police who are suspected of being involved in the crime.
Cortez and Dela Cruz were killed when their vehicle was ambushed.
Before his death, Cortez received a death threat after investigating NCMH corruption cases.
It will be recalled that Cortez and Avila had a dispute in April after the latter spoke about the situation of the COVID-19 crisis in NCMH.
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Total lockdown implemented in Jolo following 2 explosions
The local government of Jolo in Sulu implemented a total lockdown following two explosions in the town center Monday at noon.
According to Jolo Mayor Kerkhar Tan, residents of other municipalities are not allowed to enter Jolo. The operation of the pier and the voyage of ships carrying locally stranded individuals and returning overseas Filipinos have also been temporarily canceled.
The curfew will also be strictly enforced from 8 pm to 5 am.
Security in Jolo will be tightened, and residents will be encouraged to lower their face masks at security checkpoints.
The use of dark shades is not allowed, and parking areas will also be assigned to vehicles in Jolo.
Tan believes the Abu Sayyaf Group was behind the twin explosions.