A convicted robber named “Diablo” and a 16-year-old boy were arrested Wednesday for the slaying of Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) graduate Francis de Leon whose body was found in Marikina City on Dec. 1.
Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director, identified the suspect as Jayvee “Diablo” Santos, 24. The name of the 16-year-old suspect has been withheld.
The suspects were apprehended after a member of the robbery group came out and spilled the beans about what happened to De Leon, 24.
On December 1, De Leon was found lifeless with several stab wounds lying on the ground at the corner of J. Molina and Blue Bird Streets in Barangay Concepcion, Marikina City, around 12:40 a.m.
The witness, who was presented to the media, said that he was about to be part of the robbery, but he did not join that night because he was frightened by a roving police car.
“Hindi po ako nakasama nung gabing ‘yun sa Concepcion. Naharang po kasi ako ng [police] mobile,” the witness wearing a face mask and black cap told reporters.
He said Santos offered him a Samsung phone, who police believe, was owned by De Leon; but he declined to buy it.
Santos strongly denied the witness’ claim, saying he has witnesses who are willing to attest before the court that he was in Barangay Sta. Barbara in San Mateo. He said he was hiding there as he was wanted for robbery again.
“Maybe it was them who robbed and killed De Leon, not us. I have an alibi,” Santos said.
Santos was arrested at a checkpoint when police found him carrying a gun while aboard a motorcycle in Barangay Apitong, Marikina.
In a separate operation hours after, police nabbed the minor at his house in Barangay Tumana. He is now under the custody of Marikina Social Welfare Department.
“After he was arrested, Santos admitted the crime. He was just denying now because he is in front of the media,” Eleazar said.
Santos, he said, was named as the leader of the robbery group.
The main suspect also confessed that he had just been released from prison after serving his jail term. “I am out of prison for about four months.”
Mayor Marcelino Teodoro, who recently offered a P500, 000 bounty, said he will immediately give the reward to the witness who shed light on the victim’s killing.
“Justice is the best thing we could give to the family of Mr. De Leon,” he said.
The mayor is also eyeing to institutionalize the reward system because it helps in fast identification of the suspects.
Police said they are now hunting down the other members of the robbery group. (Jel Santos)
