Second suspect in Remate photojournalist shooting arrested

These photos taken from CCTV footage show the faces of two suspects in the brazen attack on photojournalist Rene Joshua Abiad on June 29, 2023.

MANILA, Philippines — After weeks of hiding in Pangasinan, another suspect in the shooting of a Quezon City photojournalist was arrested by police at a Metro Manila bus terminal upon his return.

In a press conference at Camp Karingal, Quezon City Police Office Director, Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre, announced the development in the case of Remate Online photojournalist Rene Joshua Abiad. Abiad and six of his relatives were shot by gunmen onboard a vehicle on June 29.

Torre identified the suspect as Jomari Dela Cruz, 24.

Dela Cruz was arrested at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at a bus terminal located on EDSA in Cubao, Quezon City.

The QCPD’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) conducted a follow-up operation after receiving information from a confidential informant that Dela Cruz would be arriving at the said bus terminal after hiding in Pangasinan.

“Surveillance in the area was done and at 4:30 PM, Dela Cruz was seen walking in front of the bus terminal. Police operatives approached him, and after introducing themselves, they arrested Dela Cruz,” Torre said.

Dela Cruz is now under CIDU’s custody.

A violation of R.A. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act is being prepared against Dela Cruz and will be filed with the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

The first suspect, identified as Eduardo Almario Legaspi II, alias “Bingbong,” was arrested on July 8, Torre previously said.

According to Torre, manhunt operations against other suspects and the alleged mastermind are ongoing.