SLAIN COP GETS JUSTICE AFTER 28 YEARS

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — After 28 years of evading arrest, authorities have finally captured a man wanted for multiple killings, including the murder of a police officer, and other violent crimes in Nueva Ecija.

Police on Sunday tracked down alias “Pandong/Ed,” 57, in his hiding place in Bgy. Mapalad, Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija.

The arresting team was composed of personnel from the Regional Special Operations Group 3 (RSOG3-RID), Sta. Rosa Police Station, Nueva Ecija police, and the 302nd and 303rd Maneuver Companies of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 3.

Operatives served several warrants for the suspect’s long-pending cases for murder issued on June 30, 1997 by RTC Branch 28; another murder case issued on October 12, 2001 by RTC Branch 26; and frustrated murder released  on January 16, 2002 by RTC Branch 30.

A former member of a robbery and gun-for-hire syndicate operating across Central Luzon,  the suspect  was accused of killing PO1 Ronald Diamat and wounding  SPO2 Samuel Bulan during a 2000 police operation in Sta. Rosa. 

Alias “Pandong/Ed,” is also tied to the fatal shooting of a security guard in Cabanatuan City in the late 1990s, further cementing his reputation as a dangerous criminal.

PRO3 director Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. commended the operating units for their successful coordination and intelligence work that finally led to the fugitive’s capture.

“Every successful manhunt operation is a victory for justice. This arrest shows how focused intelligence and teamwork can bring even the most elusive criminals into custody. PRO3 remains fully committed to enforcing the law and protecting our communities,” he said.

Peñones added that the arrest delivers a strong reminder to fugitives who believe they can outrun justice: “After almost three decades on the run, his capture sends a clear message: justice may be delayed, but never denied.”