MANILA, Philippines — After seven years in hiding, a murder suspect has been arrested Iloilo province over the weekend.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said Rebino Blanza Jr., 22, of Barangay San Roque, Lupao, Nueva Ecija.was arrested on Sunday in Barangay Ginalinan Viejo, Dingle, Iloilo.
Blanza is listed as the ninth most wanted person in Central Luzon. The Department of the Interior and Local Government in 2021 offered a P135,000 bounty for his arrest.
“The arrest of the suspect brings justice to the victim and his family, also a clear message to all criminals that the PNP is intensifying and will continue to expedite arrest among wanted persons,” PNP Chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said in a statement.
According to the PNP, Blanza was served a warrant of arrest for the murder of Henry Comadre, a 37-year-old beautician.
The PNP said the victim was drinking with his friends, including the suspect, on June 11, 2015. He was found dead with head injuries the day after.
The PNP identified Blanza as the suspect.
The suspect was brought to the Iloilo police office, pending the issuance of a commitment order. (MJ Soriano, INQUIRER.net trainee)