Slain seafarer’s SUV recovered, 4 suspects arrested

DASMARIÑAS, Cavite — Police have recovered the sports utility vehicle (SUV) of slain seafarer Arnest John L. Agbayani following an operation on Monday afternoon in Sitio Humayao, Barangay Langkaan here.

Superintendent Joseph Reyes Arguelles, Dasmariñas police chief, said that at least four suspects in the slay case were arrested with the recovery of Agbayani’s blue 2015 model Subaru Forester at 1:30 p.m. Monday.

Arguelles identified those held as Christopher Kyle Cruz Ernie, 31, of Indang, Cavite; Ariston Lavadia Jimena, 36, government employee, of Dasmarinas City; Paulo Basilan Hernandez, 35, call center agent, of Imus City Cavite and Raquino Santillan Omagap Jr., 31, a tricycle driver, from Gen. Trias, Cavite.

The recovered SUV was identified as Agbayani’s by family members. The blue SUV, when found, was already painted black, although a spare tire with the marking “AJA” (initial for Arnest John Agbayani) was intact.

Arguelles reported that the SUV was occupied by armed men when it was spotted by informants earlier in the area. This eventually led to the arrest of the four suspects.

He said that aside from Agbayani’s vehicle already sported a new license registration plate number and a Philippine National Police Academy commemorative plate.

Likewise recovered from the four suspects were several firearms, ammunition, three small heat sealed transparent sachets containing suspected shabu, three hand-held radios, jackets and shirts with PNP markings, and two pieces of paper with sketches and maps.

Arguelles said that appropriate charges will be filed against the four men.