The City Government of Valenzuela commends the Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) after the arrest of the lone female suspect on the robbery-slay case of company messenger Niño Luegi Hernando in Barangay Paso De Blas last October 9 after a month of gruelling manhunt operation for the four (4) remaining suspects of the crime.

Jo-Anne Quijano Cabatuan, a 31 year-old female from Barangay Lawang Bato, was arrested late Tuesday afternoon of December 1 at Barangay Lourdes, Minalin, Pampanga.  Cabatuan was initially a witness in the shooting where Hernando was brutally shot and was robbed of his motorcyclye and his sling bag containing cash money by two (2) motorcycle-riding suspects – Rico “Moja” Reyes and Narciso “Tukmol” Santiago. 

Further investigation, however, revealed that Cabatuan is involved in the case, allegedly informing the gunmen of the whereabouts of Hernando who withdrew cash money in the amount of PhP 442,714 from a local bank.  Investigation also found that Hernando testified against Cabatuan’s live-in partner who was eventually imprisoned for a rape case.

Operatives from the VCPS under Chief of Police PCol Fernando Ortega served the Warrant of Arrest against Cabatuan after they were tipped off by an anonymous informant about her whereabouts.

Two (2) other suspects, Edgar Matis Batchar and AWOL cop Cpl. Michael Bismar Castro, are both already in police custody.  As of writing, other primary suspects, Rico “Moja” Reyes, Narciso “Tukmol” Santiago, and PO1 Anthony Glua Cubos are still at large, facing the crime of Robbery with Homicide with no bail recommended.

The City Government of Valenzuela has initiated a reward money of PhP 300,000 per suspect to anyone who can provide information for the speedy arrest of the suspects.

Last October 12, Valenzuela City Mayor REX Gatchalian and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) visited the wake of Hernando in Brgy. Parada, Valenzuela City. Mayor REX reassures that “the police together with the local government will focus on the case and commits that justice will be served” for the death of Hernando as he leaves his wife and two (2) kids behind.

A week after, the City Government of Valenzuela, upon identification of the two (2) initial suspects involved in the crime, Reyes and Santiago, offered a reward money of PhP 300,000 per suspect to anyone who can provide information on the suspects’ whereabouts. The local government also never hesitated to place additional reward money to two (2) more suspects, former cop PO1 Cubos and witness-turned-suspect Cabatuan of PhP 300,000 each.

With Cabatuan’s apprehension, the local government and the police force are now more confident and more hopeful that the remaining suspects at large will be caught.

“We will not stop until all the suspects are brought forward into justice,” Mayor REX said.

The City Government of Valenzuela also calls for any information that may lead to the remaining suspects’ arrest by reaching the Valenzuela City Police Station at 8352-4000, 0917 308 2274 and 0917 820 3775.