Wheels of justice catch up with ex-police officer 11 years after

An activist wearing a superhero costume protests a plan to bury the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. The protesters say Marcos is no hero. The issue has split the country in half. LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines — A former police officer wanted for murder in Valenzuela City 11 years ago was finally caught by authorities last week in Ormoc City, a police official said Tuesday.

Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr.,Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director, said members of the CIDG and the Anti-Organized Crime Division (AOCD) arrested Friday Senior Police Officer 1 Federico Patag a.k.a. Juan Tanio, 50, for two counts of murder and frustrated murder.

The CIDG director said that Patag was a former Valenzuela City police officer and was in their most wanted list, ranking 10th in Metro Manila and 2nd in the Northern Police District.

Authorities arrested Patag based on a warrant issued by Judge Floro Alejo of National Capital Judicial Region, Regional Trial Court Branch 171, in Valenzuela City. No bail was recommended, said Pagdilao.