The accused was identified as Argie Codera Abella, a 37-year-old resident of Sitio Tarcom, Upper Laguerta, Barangay Busay, Cebu City.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Cebu City Field Unit led by Lt. Col. Randy Korret found him inside a passenger vessel in Pier 1 Barangay San Roque, Cebu City at 9:27 p.m.
Authorities considered Abella as the second most wanted person in Central Visayas.
The warrant for Abella’s arrest for murder was issued by Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 58 Judge Ma. Lynna Pacamalan Adviento in Cebu City on March 10, 2022. No bail was recommended.
The warrant for homicide was issued by RTC Branch 5 Judge Ricky Jones Macabaya in Cebu City. Bail was set at P120,000.
Korret said Abella is a member of a criminal gang involved in gunrunning, robbery-holdup and the illegal drug trade in Cebu City and nearby areas in Cebu Province.
The arrest was made after the CIDG received information that Abella was about to flee Cebu, prompting authorities to launch a manhunt operation.
The operation was conducted by the CIDG together with operatives of the Cebu City Mobile Force Company, Mabolo Police Station, Regional Intelligence Unit 7, Cebu Port Authority and members of the Philippine Coast Guard.
Col. Peter Miguel Tagtag Jr., chief of CIDG 7, said Abella used another name when he booked his ticket, based on the manifest obtained by the agency. (AYB / LMY)