PNP: Party-list nominee not kidnapped
MANILA, Philippines — A nominee of Magsasaka party-list was not kidnapped, but was arrested on murder charges in Pasig City on Sunday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced yesterday.
Lejun de la Cruz is wanted for two counts of murder, the PNP said.
Contrary to allegations by De la Cruz’s camp that he is a victim of kidnapping and attempted assassination, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the poll candidate was the subject of a legitimate police operation.
De la Cruz was a former member of the hit squad Alex Boncayao Brigade, according to Fajardo.
Police officers were about to serve two warrants for murder issued by a Las Piñas court against De la Cruz, but he resisted, the PNP said.
Metro Manila police director Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said lawmen saw De la Cruz at the corner of Kasaganahan and Kahusayan streets in Barangay Manggahan at around 11:10 a.m.
Instead of surrendering, Aberin said De la Cruz pulled out a handgun as he boarded his pickup truck.
De la Cruz allegedly hit a police officer who attempted to block his vehicle.
The suspect rammed five vehicles before he was apprehended by police.
He yielded a .45-caliber handgun.
Apart from the murder cases he is facing, police will file complaints against De la Cruz for illegal gun possession, frustrated homicide, violation of the election gun ban and malicious mischief.