Suspect in village chief's slaying falls

POLICE have arrested one of the four suspects in a failed ambush-slay of a village chief two years ago in a west coast village in Zamboanga City.

Police Station 6 commander Chief Inspector Elmer Acuña identified the suspect as Arcel Kahal, alias Atay, who was nabbed Friday in his hideout in Mampang village, nine kilometers east of the city.

Acuña said Kahal was nabbed on the strength of warrant of arrest for frustrated murder with P200,000 recommended bail.

Kahal was among those tagged as responsible for the ambush of Felix Custodio, village chief of Baluno, on January 21, 2011.

Custodio was shot and critically wounded while he was on his way home coming from Barangay Baluno. He underwent surgery and treatment for almost a year. He is recuperating at present.

Aside from Kahal, three of his relatives, including his father, were charged in connection with the attempt on Custodio's life, Acuña said.

Kahal denied participation in the ambush and pointed to his relatives, who are at large, as those who allegedly shot Custodio.

Police manhunt against the other suspects continues. (Bong Garcia)