MANILA, Philippines (Updated) — The suspect behind the death of the stay-in driver in a shooting incident in Makati has been arrested, according to Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.
Abalos did not provide further details and only said “yes” when asked about the suspect’s arrest.
“Yes, there will be a press conference in [Camp] Crame,” he told reporters in a message.
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Based on police reports, 65-year-old driver Aniceto Mateo was shot to death along the southbound lane of the Edsa Ayala tunnel at around 2:30 p.m. by the suspect who was aboard a black Mercedes Benz with a plate number BCS77.
During a later briefing, Abalos revealed that the black Mercedes Benz was registered to a certain individual living in Las Piñas who could no longer be found in the area. A follow-up operation eventually led to the identification and location of the suspect along Riverside Village, Pasig City.
“A black Mercedes Benz with the plate number DAD98670 was also found in the residence; the plate number BCS77 was also found inside the Mercedes Benz,” the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief said.
“Two caliber pistols were also seized from the suspect; the seized firearms were brought to the PNP Forensic Group for ballistic examination, while the suspect was subjected to paraffin test,” he added.
Results showed that the suspect tested positive for gunpowder from the confiscated firearm — a Taurus pistol — which Abalos said matched with the recovered fired cartridge at the scene as revealed by the ballistic examination.
Upon checking with the Firearms and Explosives Office, PNP likewise discovered that no firearms were registered under the suspect’s name.
Authorities disclosed that Mateo was with passengers Marites Valmorio, 47, and a minor when the shooting incident occurred. They were on board a white Toyota Innova and were on their way to Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
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After the shooting incident, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority temporarily closed the area to motorists.