Ex-cop wanted for killing aunt of Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes arrested in Olongapo

MANILA, Philippines — A former police officer was arrested in Olongapo City for alleged involvement in the murder of an aunt of legendary pool player Efren “Bata” Reyes.

Operatives of the Regional Intelligence Division accompanied by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in coordination with the Olongapo City Police Office Station 1, arrested former Patrolman Elias Gamboa, 45, at around 11 a.m. Monday in the municipality of Bajac.

According to NCRPO on Wednesday, Gamboa was formerly assigned at the Meisic Police Station of the Manila Police District before he went hiding.

Gamboa was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 1 for the crime of murder. The warrant was dated October 5, 2005 and recommended no bail.

According to case records, Gamboa was accused of killing Victoria Pangilinan, the 60-year-old aunt of Reyes, on March 20, 2005 in Manila.

Police said Gamboa stabbed the victim 19 times following a heated argument with Pangilinan resulting to the victim’s death. Gamboa was dismissed from the police service in 2006.

Prior to his arrest, Gamboa moved around to evade arrest and even drove a tricycle, police said.

Gamboa is now detained at the custodial facility of the Regional Special Operations Unit of the NCRPO.   (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)