Manhunt on vs cabbie tagged in slay of pregnant partner

The Eastern Police District (EPD) has directed the Mandaluyong police to conduct a no let-up manhunt operation against a taxi driver accused of killing his pregnant partner and her niece in Mandaluyong City on Monday.

EPD Director Police Chief Superintendent Reynaldo Biay said in a statement that he has instructed members of the Mandaluyong City Police to pursue the suspect identified as Benjamin Pardenez Jr. of Barangay Magdiwang, Bacoor Cavite.

“The EPD and Mandaluyong City Police Station would like to extend condolences to the bereaved family of the victims as we conduct the relentless follow-up operation for the possible arrest of the suspect,” Biay said in a statement.

“We are also appealing to the public for eyewitnesses to show up and give information about the incident as well as to those who know the whereabouts of the suspect,” Biay added.

Mandaluyong police chief Supt. Moises Villaceran said that a witness reported the incident Tuesday night, after receiving a call from Pardenez the night before.

The victims were identified as Ma. Rosula Paunil, 40 years old; and her Grade 4 niece, both residents of Unit 205 Ridgeway Residences, Barangay Barangka Ilaya, Mandaluyong City.

Based on reports, the remains of the victims were discovered after someone called up the police informing about the crime.

A police unit, led by SPO3 Renante Guillergan, visited the place and opened the padlocked room where the victims were murdered. Both victims suffered fatal stab wounds.

A police report added that security guard Ricky Urbina, of the Ridgeway Residences, claimed to have seen Pardenez leaving the condominium unit at about 6:15 p.m. on Monday. /jpv