Two trike drivers arrested in Iloilo City murder case

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two tricycle drivers wanted for murder were arrested shortly before midnight on Sept. 24 in Molo, Iloilo City.

The suspects, identified as alias Rinard, 34, and alias Jackielyn, 44, both residents of Barangay Boulevard, Molo, were apprehended in separate operations.

Members of the Iloilo City Police Office-City Intelligence Unit (ICPO-CIU), along with personnel from the Iloilo City Mobile Force Company and Iloilo City Police Station 4, first arrested Jackielyn at around 11:26 p.m. in Boulevard village.

A minute later, Rinard was also arrested by operatives from the ICMFC, ICPS4, CIU, and Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) 6.

Jackielyn and Rinard are ranked as Iloilo City’s top 8 and top 9 most wanted persons, respectively.

The arrests were made by virtue of a warrant for murder (Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code) under Criminal Case No. 24-92701, issued by Judge Cyril Regalado-Regalado of Regional Trial Court Branch 31, Iloilo City, on Sept. 24, 2024.

No bail was set for their temporary release.

The two suspects were implicated in the killing of ex-convict and barangay tanod Zaldemir Helliga, 46, on April 10, 2024, in Barangay Boulevard.

Reports indicate that Helliga was driving a motorcycle along an alley in the village when the suspect, identified as Gerardo Sofia Jr., alias Bulldog, waylaid and repeatedly shot him.

Helliga was rushed to the hospital by responding policemen but was declared dead on arrival.

The two arrested suspects allegedly acted as Sofia’s accomplices in the crime.

Initial reports suggest that illegal drugs may have been the motive behind Helliga’s murder, possibly due to a double-cross in the drug trade.

Authorities are also investigating the possibility that the killing is connected to the arrest of Sofia’s uncle, Melchor Tayco. Tayco, 68, and his nephew Efren Diaz, 35, were arrested in a buy-bust operation on April 4 in Molo, Iloilo City, where PHP 816,000 worth of shabu was seized.

Helliga was previously imprisoned in 2016 for a drug-related offense, while Sofia was arrested the following year for a similar violation.

Both were released through a plea bargaining agreement.