Fugitive in 2003 Sorsogon murder nabbed in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY — A 44-year-old man who had been evading authorities for 22 years over a 2003 murder case in Sorsogon was arrested in Baguio City in a joint police operation.

The suspect, a native of Sorsogon and a resident of Honeymoon Road, was apprehended by operatives of the City Intelligence Unit of the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), Police Station 7, the City Intelligence Team Baguio–Regional Intelligence Unit 14, the Regional Intelligence Division–RSOU PRO5, and the Pilar Municipal Police Station under the Sorsogon Police Provincial Office.

Police served a warrant of arrest for murder issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 52 in Sorsogon on January 19, 2003. No bail was recommended.

Authorities said the man had been in hiding since 2003 and was located through long-term intelligence monitoring and coordination among various law enforcement units.

He was brought to the City Intelligence Unit for documentation before transport to the court of origin in Sorsogon.

BCPO City Director PCOL Ruel D. Tagel commended the operating units, saying the arrest underscored the police force’s resolve to pursue long-pending cases.

“This arrest is proof that justice may be delayed, but it will never be denied. The Baguio City Police Office remains steadfast in its mission to serve justice and ensure that those who have committed crimes are held accountable,” he said.