Suspect in woman’s slay nabbed in gun sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The suspect in the killing of an 89-year-old woman was arrested in a firearms entrapment operation in Oton, Iloilo, on the morning of June 28.

The suspect, identified as alias Jerry, 55, a resident of Barangay Najus-an, Mambusao, Capiz, was not arrested in connection with the murder case.

Instead, police arrested him after he allegedly sold a firearm during an entrapment operation in Barangay Poblacion West, Oton.

Members of the Iloilo City Police Office-City Intelligence Unit arrested Jerry after he allegedly sold a .38-caliber revolver for PHP 3,500.

Police also seized another .38-caliber revolver loaded with six rounds of ammunition, PHP 220 in cash, a hand grenade, and a backpack containing personal belongings.

Lt. Col. Donnel Regis, ICPO-CIU chief, said a confidential informant tipped off police about the suspect’s alleged gunrunning activity.

Regis said police were aware that they were dealing with the man allegedly involved in a murder incident almost two months earlier.

Jerry initially set the transaction in Arevalo, Iloilo City, but later changed his mind and moved the meeting place to the public plaza of Oton, where he was arrested.

A PHP 50,000 reward had been offered to anyone who could provide information on Jerry’s whereabouts.

Jerry was tagged in the killing of alias Virginia, who was found dead inside her house at Ledesco Village in Barangay Tabuc Suba, La Paz district, late on May 24.

The victim’s niece, Jean, sought police assistance to enter Virginia’s house after the victim failed to answer her calls.

Jean’s sister, Merci Lou Jaranilla, entered the house with police and found the victim lying beside her bed.

Virginia was unconscious and unresponsive, with no apparent signs of life.

Investigators said the victim had two children, one based in Canada and the other in the United States.

Virginia was living with a helper who went home every Sunday.

The victim’s U.S.-based daughter saw through their closed-circuit television camera that her mother was no longer moving.

She then asked her cousin to check on the victim.

A review of the CCTV footage showed the suspect entering the house.

The elderly victim reportedly opened the gate for him around 8:05 a.m. that day.

Police said Virginia knew Jerry because he had previously worked for the family.

CCTV footage also allegedly showed the suspect choking the victim to death.

He was also seen drinking water before leaving the house.

Police believe the suspect robbed the victim.

Jerry had just been released from jail after being incarcerated for an illegal gambling case.

Meanwhile, Jerry admitted to killing the elderly woman.

He claimed that a certain Gino ordered him to kill Virginia.

After the incident, Jerry allegedly took PHP 40,000 from the victim and gave it to Gino.

Jerry claimed Gino handed him PHP 17,000.

Jerry said he was remorseful over what happened.

Jerry may face complaints for murder, robbery, and violations of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and Republic Act 9516, which penalizes unlawful possession of explosives.