Homicide suspect nabbed after 23 yrs

KIDAPAWAN CITY – After 23 years in hiding, a farmer accused of killing a neighbor in Matalam, North Cotabato was arrested on Tuesday in a town in South Cotabato, police reports said.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Field Investigating Unit based in Kidapawan City led the arrest of Rodrigo Sta. Cruz, Jr., or also known as Melchor Sta. Cruz, Jr., at Barangay Morales, Koronadal City in South Cotabato, around 730 p.m., on July 17.

The CIDG personnel were accompanied by policemen from Matalam, reports added.

According to CIDG, Sta. Cruz is facing homicide, which happened somewhere in Matalam, 23 years ago.

The warrant for his arrest based on Criminal Case Number 261 was issued on August 12, 1995 by former Judge Braulio Jurtado, Jr., of the Regional Trial Court branch 22 based in Kabacan, North Cotabato.

The apprehending officers said Sta. Cruz was seemed surprised to know that the case filed against him more than two decades ago is still “in effect” and has not been archived.

The accused thought the victim’s family has already “dumped” the case because of some negotiations in the past.

The CIDG operatives, however, said the warrant for Sta. Cruz’s arrest is still “working” and no pending motions had been attached to the folder.

Reports said Sta. Cruz was placed temporarily under CIDG’s custody while investigators are preparing the documents for his commitment in court.