Murder fugitive finally nabbed after 17 years

MANILA, Philippines—A man on the run for 17 years and reportedly one of Eastern Visayas’ most wanted persons was arrested in Parañaque City Monday morning.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s Anti Organized Crime Unit collared Romeo Despe at 11:15 a.m. in a house in Parañaque.

According to Senior Supt. Alex Tagum, head of the anti-organized crime unit, Despe had been charged with murder in a court in Northern Samar in connection with the killing of one Doland Melano in 1997.

Since becoming a fugitive, he has been named among the most wanted criminals in the region.

Judge Cesar Cinco of the Regional Trial Court Branch 19 in Northern Samar issued the warrant for Despe’s arrest.

CIDG spokesperson Chief Insp. Elizabeth Jasmin said the victim’s mother Leonora Melano and sister Angeline had sought the CIDG’s for help since the fugitive had been on the run for almost two decades now.