Suspects in killing of drug ‘asset’ in Parañaque arrested

MANILA, Philippines — Motorcycle-riding assailants who killed an anti-narcotic “asset” in Parañaque City were caught hours after they committed the crime, authorities said on Friday.

The victim, Rey Ballon Florentino, 39, was eating in an eatery in Barangay Don Bosco on Thursday with his friends when the two suspects, riding separate motorcycles, approached the area, according to Metro Manila police district chief Police Major General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

Nartatez identified the suspects as Aaron Umpad, 41, and Brie Acebuche, 23.

Umpad dismounted from his motorcycle and approached Florentino, who tried to flee “but was chased and repeatedly shot, leading to his instantaneous death,” according to Nartatez.

“The motive behind the killing appears to be drug-related, as the victim was known to be a drug asset providing positive results in illegal drug activities,” Nartatez said in a statement.

After the incident, Parañaque police tracked the whereabouts of Umpad and Acebuche, who were caught three hours after the incident in the same village.

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Seized from the two were a caliber .45 gun, a fan knife or “balisong” and a samurai sword, along with other items.

A witness positively identified Umpad as the shooter due to the skull logo sticker on his helmet.

Nartatez said Umpad is a “well-known menace” involved in robbery and illegal drug activities, while Acebuche acted as his spotter.

A murder case is being prepared against the arrested suspects through inquest proceedings before the Parañaque City Prosecutors Office. — Moss R. Laygo, INQUIRER.net intern