SUSPECTS IN MURDER OF 2 WOMEN IN ZAMBALES ARRESTED IN CALOOCAN

BY KEVIN GALANG

TWO suspects in the killing of two women in Palauig, Zambales on Saturday were arrested by joint operatives led by the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) in an operation in Caloocan City.

Suspects identified as alias “Jinky,” 30, and alias “Benedict,” 34, a mechanic, both residents of Masinloc, Zambales, were caught inside a hotel in Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City.

The arrest was made by joint elements of  the Zambales Police Provincial Office (ZPPO) Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Caloocan City Police Station, Provincial Intelligence Team-Zambales,  operatives from the PRO3 and the PNP Intelligence Group.

The operation stemmed from a double murder incident that occurred on August 14 in Purok 5, Bgy. Salaza, Palauig, Zambales.

A witness told police she heard a speeding vehicle passed by followed by gunshots. 

Hours later, the bodies of two female victims identified only as “Khang-Khang,” of Bgy. Tal-Tal, Masinloc, Zambales, and “Leng-Leng,”were found in a roadside canal.

Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO)  personnel recovered  in the area five empty shells of cal. .45 pistol, sachets of illegal drugs, personal accessories, and some cash.

A follow-up operation was immediately launched after reports indicated that the suspects fled in a black Subaru vehicle with plate number NVO 573 bound for Metro Manila.

The PRO3 leadership immediately issued a flash alarm. A CCTV monitoring later traced the vehicle to a hotel in Caloocan.

On Saturday, alias “Jinky” was first spotted and arrested after exiting her room to buy cigarettes, which subsequently led to the capture of her partner, alias “Benedict” inside the hotel. 

Seized in the operation were a cal. .38 revolver and the vehicle used in the escape after the shooting of the two victims.

PRO3 director Brig. Gen.  Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. lauded the swift coordination of operating units and underscored PRO3’s commitment to public safety.

“This arrest was made possible through the concerted efforts of our operatives on the ground. It demonstrates our unity of purpose and determination to ensure that criminals cannot evade justice,” Peñones said.

“Rest assured, PRO3 remains steadfast in its mission to protect the people of Central Luzon and maintain peace in our communities,” he added.