7 SUSPECTS IN ONLINE SELLER COUPLE’S AMBUSH-SLAYING CAPTURED

BY KEVIN GALANG

OPERATIVES arrested seven suspects, including the alleged mastermind, in the ambush-killing of an online seller couple in Mexico, Pampanga.

In a press conference held in Camp Olivas in the City of San Fernando in Pampanga, Police Regional Office 3 director Brig. Gen Redrico Maranan identified the arrested suspects as Arnold Taylan, Arnel Buan, Robert Dimaliwat, Rolando Cruz, Jomie Rabandaban, Sancho Nieto, and the alleged mastermind, Anthony Limon.

The seven were charged with two counts of murder.

Dimaandal said the suspects were caught in connection with the killing of spouses Arvin and Lerma Lulu in an ambush in Santo Rosario, Mexico, Pampanga on October 4.

The victims were on their pick-up when shot by two motorcycle-riding gunmen.

The couple’s six-year-old child and Lerma’s teenage cousin were unhurt during the incident.

Upon orders of Maranan, Dimaandal immediately launched a team to track down the suspects.

Following a thorough investigation, tracker teams from the Mexico police, along with the Pampanga Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB), and the 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies (PMFC), conducted a two-day operation that resulted in the arrest of two key suspects — Arnold Taylan, the alleged gunman,  and backrider Arnel Buan — in Nueva Ecija.

Based on initial statements provided by Taylan and Buan, authorities were able to arrest the remaining five suspects, including Limon, the alleged “brains” in the murder of the couple.

Investigations revealed that Limon, an online seller like the victims, had a P13 million debt to the couple, providing a potential motive for the crime.

Seized during the operations were three .9mm pistols, five cal. .45 pistols, one .22 caliber rifle, and one airgun.

Maranan commended his men, particularly Dimaandal, for their tireless efforts in delivering justice for the victims’ families.

“Our mission to ensure the safety and security of our community remains our top priority. We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice and accountability for this heinous crime,” Maranan said.