THE prime suspect in the killing of former Barangay Carmen Councilor Roland Sherwin "Tawe” Uy and his caretaker was taken into custody by the Cagayan de Oro City police following his arrest in Lanao del Norte, late yesterday afternoon.

Tawe and his caretaker, 72-year-old, Samuel Pabalan we’re gunned down on November 11, 2021 while at a quarry site in Barangay Pagatpat, this city.

Cagayan de Oro City police director Police Col. Aaron Mandia identified the suspect as Edgardo Gaabucayan, 59, married, and a resident of Sitio Tapuk-Tapok, Purok 6, in Barangay Cabasagan, Lala, Lanao del Norte.

Mandia said Gaabucayan was identified by a witness who was the one shot and killed Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy’s son and his caretaker, Pabalan.

Based on facial composite, a graphical representation of the eyewitness, police said Gaabucayan took responsibility for the last year’s assassinations.

Police said, reportedly the suspect (Gaabucayan) was a current closed buddy of a contractor and still an active member of the New People's Army's hit squad - the Special Partisan Unit or SPARU operating in Sindangan, Zamboanga Del Norte.

Police said they will verify if Gaabucayan was still connected to NPA hit squad as member and continue operating in the key cities in Mindanao.

Earlier, the Uy's family had offered a P2-million cash reward as on those who have knowledge of the crime and to help them seek justice for the killing.

Aside from the family's offer, the City government thru former City Mayor Oscar Moreno was also offering a cash reward of another P2 million to anyone who could give information that would lead to the arrest and prosecution of the suspect.

That makes the reward reach P4 million.

Members of Cocpo's City Mobile Force Company (CMFC) together with Lanao del Norte operatives were armed with a warrant of arrest for 2 counts of murder issued by Judge Emmanuel Pasal of the Regional Trial Court-10, Branch 38, Cagayan de Oro City.

Police investigators theorized that personal grudge was the main motive of killing Uy and Pabalan was merely a collateral victim.

The arrested suspect is now temporarily detained at Maharlika detention facility pending proper disposition of the case.

Mandia commended the City police' tracking team and Lala Municipal Police Station for a job well done.