Suspect in slay of city hall worker arrested

3 years ago Author

ANGELES CITY – The suspect behind the death of EJ Antonio Gabriel, a city hall employee who was found dead in Brgy. San Juan, Mexico town on December 28, 2021, has been arrested.

The suspect was identified as Francis A. Cunanan, of Villa Barosa, Phase 1, Road 5, in the City of San Fernando and a native of Purok 5, Brgy. Manibaug, Porac town.

He was arrested through the joint operations of the Mexico police led by Maj. Louie Sason; PIDMU led by Maj. Erwin Marzan; PIB led by Jansky Andrew Jaafar; and 2nd PMFC led by Maj. Philip Pelle.

An eyewitness from Makabakle, Dolores in the City of San Fernando identified Cunanan behind the death of Gabriel, who went missing last Dec. 27, 2021.

Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. commended responding policemen for the immediate apprehension of Cunanan.

Lazatin had earlier ordered the ACPO to conduct a thorough investigation into the death of Gabriel, who was last seen aboard a Toyota Vios (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 in 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.

Lt Col. Grace Yerro Naparato of the Mexico Municipal Police Station said a case for robbery with homicide and carnapping has been 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 likewise condemned the death of Gabriel and also called for a thorough investigation.