CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – Two men tagged by witnesses as the shooters in the August 12 gunslaying of farmers at Barangay San Nicolas Balas, Concecpcion, Tarlac were arrested by authorities during follow-up operations in a village just a few kilometers from the crime scene.
Senior Supt. Richie Posadas, Director of Tarlac Provincial Police Office (TPPO) stationed at Camp Macabulos, Tarlac City, identified the suspects as Bernard Cruz Nucup, 21, of Bgy. San Francisco; and Hernan Miclat Galang, of Bgy. Mabato-Bato, both of Magalang, Pampanga.
The third suspect, according to police, eluded arrest and is now being hunted.
Police said Nucup was wounded when he traded shots with lawmen during a raid at the suspect’s hideout. He pointed police to the whereabouts of Galang, leading to the latter’s arrest.
On Saturday, three unidentified gunmen who were reportedly sporting shorts marked with “PNP” shot four persons past 8 a.m.
The victims were identified as Jaime Baquing, 58, farmer; his son Chody, 35, both residents of said place; Rustico Sevilla, 76, resident of Bgy. Telabangca, Concepcion, Tarlac and Marcelo Marcelo, 63, of Bgy. Luisa, Magalang, Pampanga.
Police said the victims were having coffee at Baquings’ residence when they were shot point blank by the suspects.
The Baquings died on the way to the hospital while Sevilla and Marcelo were rushed to Tarlac City hospital for further treatment.
Police investigators got a breakthrough after one of the witnesses noticed the getaway vehicle – a white Grandia (ADJ-2035) – parked outside one of the residential units at Bgy. Alfonso.
Policemen assaulted the hideout but were met with gunfire. The ensuing exchange injured Nucup.
Several spent shells from a calibre .45 pistol were found by investigators at the place of encounter.
Police have yet to establish the motive behind the attack on the Baquings and their companions.
