Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. has announced the arrest of a suspect in the killing of 40-year old EJ Antonio Gabriel, a City Hall employee who was found dead in Brgy. San Juan, Mexico town on December 28, 2021.
The suspect was identified as Francis A. Cunanan, of Villa Barosa, Phase 1, Road 5, in the City of San Fernando. Joint elements of the Mexico police led by PMaj. Louie Sason; PIDMU led by PMaj. Erwin Marzan; PIB led by Jansky Andrew Jaafar; and 2nd PMFC PMaj. Philip Pelle have arrested Cunanan in the pursuit operations.
An eyewitness identified as Ricky Dunglao, of Makabakle, Dolores, City of San Fernando, has identified Cunanan behind the death of Gabriel who went missing last Dec. 27, 2021.
Lazatin has commended responding policemen for the immediate apprehension of Cunanan, a resident of Purol 5, Brgy Manibaug, Porac town.
Lazatin had earlier ordered the ACPO to conduct a thorough investigation into the death of Gabriel who was last seen aboard a Toyota Vios with plate number CDJ 7507 along the Megadike Access Road in Porac town.
Before he went missing, Gabriel, a legislative staff of Angeles Councilor Alfie Bonifacio, allegedly attended a Christmas party in an undisclosed place.
Gabriel was also allegedly carrying with him P60,000 cash as payroll for the staff of Councilor Bonifacio.
Gabriel’s vehicle was recovered at the Bulaon Public Market in the City of San Fernando.
PLt Col. Grace Yerro Naparato, of the Mexico Municipal Police Station, said “a case for robbery with homicide and carnapping” was filed against Cunanan before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in the City of San Fernando with NPS Docket No. III-12-INQ-21L-02969.
Lazatin earlier said the ACPO will leave no stone unturned in the investigation into the death of Gabriel noting that “justice should be served to the bereaved family.”
The LGBTQ+ members of Angeles City has likewise condemned the death of Gabriel and also called for thorough investigation.
