Suspect in slay of billiard champ’s aunt falls

MANILA, Philippines — A dismissed Manila policeman accused of killing his 60-year-old lover was arrested after 14 years in hiding when he went out to vote on May 13.

Acting on a tip, operatives of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) intelligence division caught former Police Pat. Elias Gamboa in Olongapo City on Monday.

He was one of the Philippine National Police’s most wanted men, with a P145,000 bounty on his head.

The 45-year-old suspect was ordered arrested for murder on Oct. 5. 2005, by Judge Tita Bughao Alisuag of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 1.

He is now detained at the NCRPO headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, pending a commitment order from the court.

Case records showed that Gamboa was the suspect in the killing of Victoria Pangilinan in the apartment they were renting in Tondo, Manila, on March 20, 2005. Pangilinan was an aunt of Efren “Bata” Reyes, champion billiard player.

But talking to reporters on Wednesday, Gamboa insisted he did not kill the victim.

“I have no idea who did that. Why would I kill Nanay (mother)?” he said, adding, “She was so good to me and my family. She even bought a new police uniform and handgun for me.”

According to Jerry Santos, the victim’s son, his mother had a “mutual understanding” with the then 31-year-old suspect.  “But when my mother refused to give him money, he would fight with her,” he added.

During a heated argument, Gamboa stabbed the victim 19 times, killing her.