Alleged mastermind in Palawan lawyer’s slay surrenders

MANILA, Philippines — A suspect in the killing of Palawan lawyer Eric Jay Magcamit surrendered to police in Palawan Friday following the arrest recently of a police officer and eight other suspects behind the slay.

Mariano Quioyo, believed to be the mastermind in the killing of Magcamit, surrendered to the Palawan Police’s Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) at 3 p.m. Friday because he wanted to be “protected by police,” an updated report from the Palawan provincial police office stated.

“He [Quioyo] said that he fears for his life thus he wants to be in protective custody of the police,” read the report.

Quioyo was already charged by police for Magcamit’s murder before he decided to turn himself in. He is now under custody of Palawan police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

He was among nine individuals, including Police Senior Master Sergeant Ariel Pareja, who had been charged for the murder. Pareja had earlier been arrested, and who subsequently named his alleged cohorts, namely Quioyo, a certain Jazer del Rosario and six other John Does.

Police investigation showed that Quioyo was involved in a court case over a land dispute where Magcamit stood as legal counsel for the other party.

On Nov. 17, Magcamit died on the spot after two unidentified assailants shot him in Narra town of Palawan.

A CCTV footage from the dashcam of his vehicle had led investigators to the identity of some of the suspects.

EDV