The fifth most wanted person in Bacolod City, who is facing murder raps, was arrested Wednesday by the Intelligence Branch of the Bacolod City Police office at 5th Road, Fuentebella Subdivision, Brgy. Taculing, in the city.

BCPO officer-in-charge, Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz, identified the suspect as Jonathan Lavega, alias “Rogelio”, 28, of Purok Bakyas, Brgy. Mansilingan, in Bacolod.

Head of the Intelligence Division, Chief Insp. Leonardo Borromeo, said Lavega is facing a case for allegedly murdering a security guard of SM City Bacolod when he was caught shoplifting sometime in 2005.

Recovered from Lavega during his arrest were five live ammunition, a .38 caliber revolver, a cellphone, and a suspected car-napped XRM motorcycle without plate number.

Lageva was riding the motorcycle when he was held, and he denied that items were recovered from him. He also denied the murder case filed against him. However, De la Paz said this is the usual alibi of suspects when apprehended.

The warrant of arrest against Lavega was issued on Aug. 11, 2006 by Bacolod Judge Manuel Cardinal Jr. The court also denied the suspect, who is detained at Police Station 6, bail, Borromeo said.

Meanwhile, John Mark Gonzales alias “Jamak,” was also held by the City Intelligence and Warrant and Subpoena Section at about 10:30 a.m. yesterday at Banga Metal, Brgy. Alijis, Bacolod, for serious physical injuries.

The warrant for the arrest of Gonzales was issued on Sept. 11, 2008. Gonzales was allowed to post bail of P12,000 but he failed to secure it, and is currently detained at Police Station 7, De la Paz said.

De la Paz said he is happy with the recent achievements of the Bacolod police. The apprehension of Lavega along with the other drug peddlers is just the beginning of their efforts to strengthen police enforcement, he added.*LTG

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