Regalado surrenders after realizing it’s useless to hide—Secretary Robredo

MANILA, Philippines—Arturo Regalado, the suspect tagged in the killing of environmentalist-journalist Gerry Ortega, surrendered because he realized hiding was futile, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo said Thursday.

In a text message to INQUIRER.net, Robredo said “for a while, he [Regalado] tried to change places but realized it was futile [that’s why] he decided to surrender.”

Robredo said authorities were able to track his whereabouts and establish communication with the suspect’s relatives.

“Kudos to CIDG [Criminal Investigation and Detection Group] and PNP [Philippine National Police],” Robredo said.

Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. earlier said elements of Police Regional Office 4-B and the special operations group received an information that Arturo Regalado surrendered at Leon Guinto Street in Malate Manila around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, accompanied by his two sisters-in-law.

In an interview, Chief Superintendent Artemio Hicban, Mimaropa police regional director, said Regalado was the one who allegedly facilitated the firearm owned by provincial administrator Romeo Seratubias, who was arrested last month by CIDG operatives in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

He said Regalado will be turned over to them later in the day.