4 suspects in Aguirre house shootout arrested

MANILA, Philippines—Police authorities arrested four men allegedly involved in the killing of the three bodyguards of Banco Filipino owner Albert “Bobby” Aguirre earlier this month, police said Thursday.

Las Piñas chief of police, Senior Superintendent Romeo Sapitula said the suspects, identified as John Mitz Jose, 19; Allan Penafuerte Beloy a.k.a. Adobo, 30; and a 17-year-old minor, were arrested in Las Piñas, while Gerald Reyes surrendered to Paranaque City police.

Sapitula said the suspects are allegedly involved in barging into the compound of Aguirre at 1015 Tropical Avenue, BF International, Las Piñas City on April 7, and killing three security guards identified as David Manguera, PO2 Luisito Macatunao and retired PO2 Melvin Padaca.

Investigation by Special Investigation task group “Tropical” revealed that robbery was the main motive when about 15 male factors on board two private cars, a taxi and a scooter went to the Aguirre compound to execute their plan. However, when the suspects sensed that Padaca will draw his gun, the suspects shot him and decided to forego their robbery plan.

The suspects then hastily withdrew on board two cars and a taxi, forgetting a scooter, later found out to be owned by Jose.

At first, Sapitula said, Jose even denied his involvement in the crime, saying his motorcycle got stolen. But at the course of the investigation, he admitted that the motorcycle was, indeed, his.

Personal grudge against the victims was being eyed as a possible motive for the crime. However, investigation later revealed that robbery was the real motive.

He said charges of three counts of murder have been filed against them, and the 11 others who are still subject to manhunt operations.