By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

One of three suspects in the killing and robbery of a married couple in Barangay Balintawak, Escalante City, was arrested by police after a lengthy follow-up operation.
Escalante City police chief, Police Chief Inspector Rollie Pondevilla, said 44-year-old Salcedo Lobaton was captured in neighboring Sagay City in a joint operation conducted by the Sagay City police, the Philippine Army, and the Regional Public Safety Company (RPSC).
Pondevilla said, based on new information, the inn owned by married couple Susana and Alfonso Morales was supposed to be closed on Sundays but they accepted Lobaton as he was a frequent customer.
However, last Sunday evening, Lobaton allegedly killed the couple and robbed their place with two other suspects, whom he did not yet name.
It is also likely the suspects had been planning to burglarize the inn, as Lobaton was aware of where the victims kept most of their money.
Lobaton faces robbery with homicide charges and is currently detained at the Escalante City Police Station.
The other suspects, meanwhile, are still being hunted down by police./WDJ