Pampanga gov calls on Central Luzon execs to unite vs gun-for-hires

Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda with the family members of the slain couple Arvin and Lerma Lulu, online sellers that were murdered last October 4, 2024. | PHOTO: Jaja Galang / Official Facebook page Pampanga PIO

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda on Thursday (Oct. 17) urged all governors in Central Luzon to increase support for the police in the campaign to eliminate gun-for-hire groups.

Pineda’s call came after the police filed a case for double murder against six alleged hired killers and the supposed mastermind, Anthony Limon, in the killing of the couple Arvin and Lerma Lulu in Mexico town last Oct. 4.

Limon and his wife reportedly owed the Lulus P27 million in beauty products that were sold online.

The police filed the case at the provincial prosecutor’s office on Wednesday night, according to Colonel Jay Dimaandal, province police director.

The two “key suspects,” identified as Arnold Taylan and Arnel Buan, are natives of Nueva Ecija and were arrested there, the police said in a report.

Using tip-offs, the police next arrested Robert Dimaliwat, Rolando Cruz, Jomie Rabandaban, Sancho Nieto, and Limon, according to Lieutenant Colonel Pearly Joy Gollayan, chief of police in Mexico. Limon’s wife is at large.

Five police units reported seizing nine firearms from the suspects.

“I think it’s the proper time to focus on eliminating these gun-for-hires. They come from other provinces and make a living out of [killing] without asking any questions,” he said.

The relatives of the victims went to the provincial capitol on Thursday to thank the governor for directing the police to arrest the suspects swiftly.

“My fellow governors and I will have to work more together to end this type of criminal activity,” said Pineda, adding he would relay his recommendation to new Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla and new regional police director Brigadier General Redrico Maranan. INQ