TWO suspects behind the brutal killing of Maranao gold buyers in Cagayan arrested; Firearms and ammunition recovered

Lal-lo, Cagayan – Police authorities have arrested two of the alleged suspects behind the brutal killing of three Maranao traders in Lal-lo, Cagayan, last week.

The arrested individuals were identified by the Cagayan Police as alias “Fred,” 31, and alias “Rod,” 48, both residents of Buguey.

In an interview, Cagayan Police Provincial Office Information Officer Capt. Sheila Joy Fronda disclosed that Fred and Rod were captured in a pursuit operation in Barangay San Juan, Buguey, on March 14.

Two witnesses positively identified them as among the perpetrators. Another alleged cohort remains at large.

During the arrest, officers recovered a 9mm pistol, an M16 Armalite rifle with a defaced serial number, assorted magazines and ammunition, improvised firearms, a rifle grenade, a bag, and three mobile phones from the suspects.

The police information officer said the mobile phones have been turned over to the crime laboratory for forensic examination.

To recall, the brutal killing occurred in a remote area in Lal-lo on March 12.

The three victims—Salic Amerol, Mutalib Amerol, and Janisah Macud-Amerol—reportedly traveled to the town that day for a supposed P1.2 million gold transaction with the suspects, which was later revealed to be a setup.

Police earlier reported that the large amount of money carried by the victims for the deal was missing, indicating that robbery was likely the primary motive.

Investigators are currently continuing to examine evidence recovered from the victims’ vehicle and review CCTV footage to strengthen the charges against the arrested suspects and aid in the apprehension of the third alleged perpetrator.