LADY PROSECUTOR’S ALLEGED KILLER IS HALF-BROTHER; NABBED

The alleged killer of Prosecutor Eleanor Polancos-Dela Peña has been arrested, the Digos City Police Station (DCPS) announced today, June 11, 2024.
The suspect is reportedly a half-brother of the 54-year old victim. A feud over land ownership was being eyed as the motive of the killing.
Suspect Arnel Galot-Dela Peña, 56-year old, was arrested less than 24 hours from the time of the killing that sent shockwaves through Davao’s legal community.
Police said Galot-Dela Peña was collared in a hot pursuit operation in Barangay Talas of Sulop, Davao Del Sur. The suspect is a resident of Barangay Talas.
Sulop is about 19 kilometers or 30 minutes away from Digos City, the scene of the crime.
Witnesses’ description of the gunman, according to investigators, matched with the suspect when he was arrested - red Honda Click motorcycle, black helmet with the “M” initial, blue hooded jacket, and blue jeans.
Said to be recovered from Galot-Dela Peña were 10 12-gauge shotgun shells, 27 5.56mm live ammunition, 1 M-16 magazine, and two mobile phones.
Investigators said they were still looking at the land dispute involving the suspect and the victim who was the assistant provincial prosecutor of Davao Occidental.
“We vow to thoroughly investigate this so that justice may be served,” said the National Prosecution Service (NPS-XI) in a statement. “Let us honor Mommy Ning’s (the victim’s nickname) memory by continuing the vital work she dedicated her life to - the pursuit of truth and justice for all.”
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Eastern Mindanao Region condemned the killing which it called “senseless and brutal.”
Prosecutor Polancos-Dela Pena was once president of IBP in Davao City.
“Prosecutor Dela Pena was more than a dedicated public servant; she was a staunch advocate of justice and the rule of law,” IBP-Eastern Mindanao also said. “Her tragic death is not only a tremendous loss to her family and colleagues but also a grievous blow to the integrity of our justice system.”
Investigators said that Prosecutor Eleanor dela Peña was driving her pick-up truck at around 5:00 pm along Chapter 8, Tinda Aplaya area when the gunman came out of nowhere. The lady prosecutor was alone in her vehicle.
At least two bullet holes were visible at the glass window on the driver’s side as Prosecutor Dela Pena was found bloodied. (TribuneNews/Ver Bermudez)
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