Photo credit: PRO 3

Police have arrested seven suspects linked to the murder of Arvin and Lerma Lulu, the couple tragically gunned down in Santo Rosario, Mexico, Pampanga, on October 4. The swift action comes after an intensive investigation by law enforcement agencies.

The arrests unfolded over two days, October 13 and 14, when tracker teams from the Mexico Municipal Police Station, Pampanga Provincial Intelligence Unit, Regional Mobile Force Battalion, and other provincial forces launched an operation that led them to Nueva Ecija. There, they apprehended the two primary suspects, Arnold Taylan, identified as the gunman, and Arnel Buan, allegedly his backrider.

Taylan and Buan’s initial statements provided crucial leads, enabling the authorities to close in on the remaining suspects: Robert Dimaliwat, Rolando Cruz, Jomie Rabandaban, Sancho Nieto, and the alleged mastermind behind the crime, Anthony Limon. According to the investigation, Limon, who shared the same profession as the victims as an online seller, had a Php 13 million debt to the couple, possibly offering a motive for the attack.

During the operation, police seized nine firearms, including three 9mm pistols, five .45 pistols, a .22 rifle, and an air gun, potentially used in the crime.

PBGEN Redrico A. Maranan, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 3, expressed his appreciation for the dedication of the officers involved. “Our mission to ensure the safety and security of our community remains our top priority,” he said. “We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice and accountability for this heinous crime.”

With these arrests, the authorities aim to provide justice for the Lulu family, vowing to continue their investigation until all those involved are held accountable.