MANILA – Lejun dela Cruz, a nominee for the Magsasaka party-list, was arrested in Pasig City on Sunday (02 Feb 2025) in connection with a 1992 murder case.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) denied claims of abduction or assassination attempts, clarifying the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
During a press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo stated that dela Cruz was apprehended on a murder warrant issued by a Las Piñas court.
Dela Cruz, a former commander of the Alex Boncayao Brigade, a notorious urban assassination unit linked to the New People’s Army, attempted to flee when police tried to arrest him. The pursuit ended in Pasig.
Dela Cruz’s team claimed he fled after plainclothes officers, who were not in uniform, attempted to stop him and fired shots. Fajardo countered, stating that it was actually dela Cruz who caused damage during his escape, crashing into several vehicles and injuring a police officer, who is now hospitalized with a fractured pelvis.
The PNP clarified that the officers were in civilian clothing as part of a discreet operation.
“It’s crucial for officers to be in plain clothes for such a warrant service to avoid compromising the mission,” Fajardo explained, adding that uniformed backup officers were present during the arrest.
Currently in the custody of the Eastern Police District in Marikina City, dela Cruz faces additional charges, including violations of the election gun ban, malicious mischief, and illegal possession of firearms. Fajardo stated that the arrest would have been smooth had dela Cruz cooperated.
In a separate matter, Fajardo confirmed that Senior M/Sgt. Timothy Joseph Virtucio, a vlogger, was placed under restrictive custody at the Police Regional Office-Calabarzon in Calamba, Laguna, after a rape complaint was filed against him. Investigations are ongoing, with the victim currently in ICU. Fajardo noted that the victim’s mental condition is unstable, and further details are pending.
ia/mmn
