PNP nabs alleged gunman in slay of Cavite prosecutor

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MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday reported the arrest of the alleged gunman behind the murder of a prosecutor in Cavite.

PNP chief PGen. Dionardo Carlos said the alleged gunman was arrested during a drug buy-bust operation on Jan. 7 in Dasmariñas City, along with another armed companion.

Carlos said the suspect who was later identified as Marvin Tagayon Linaban, 44, admitted to investigators his participation in the shooting of Trece Martires Assistant City Prosecutor Edilbert Mendoza.

Carlos added that the suspect also expressed remorse and willingness to execute an extra-judicial confession in the presence of a lawyer of his choice.

“If all evidence and facts check out, the arrest of Linaban could be a major breakthrough in the investigation of the murder of Atty. Mendoza,” Carlos said.

Mendoza was shot dead on December 31, 2021 outside his house in Brgy. Cabuco, Trece Martires City, Cavite.

Police said Mendoza was shot in the head at around 7:30 a.m.

Linaban was arrested in Barangay H2, Dasmarinas City by the Cavite Drug Enforcement Unit operatives at 10:30 p.m. on Friday.

Another suspect, Elvin Esguerra, 40, was wounded and arrested after an armed encounter with the arresting police team. He was then taken to a local hospital.

During the buy-bust operation, the arresting team also confiscated several plastic sachets of shabu or crystal meth estimated to be worth P69,000.

Authorities also confiscated a .45 caliber Thompson Auto-Ordnance pistol and a 9mm pistol.

Both firearms have been submitted to the PNP Forensic Group for ballistics examination.

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/MUF