THE 23-year-old suspect in the brutal murder in Aloguinsan town, midwest Cebu has been charged with robbery with homicide and frustrated murder on Thursday afternoon, June 30, 2022.

The suspect identified as James Harvey Nengasca reportedly stabbed his aunt Arsenia Nengasca Alidani several times with a pair of scissors after the victim did not lend him money, which he was supposed to borrow after losing P5,000 in a cockfight on Sunday, June 26, 2022.

Related story: Man who stabbed to death his aunt, hurts another arrested in Talisay City

Alidani died after the incident, while James Harvey's other aunt, Belen Nengasca Biton, whom he also attacked, sustained stab wounds and is now recuperating in the hospital.

The suspect was arrested on Wednesday, June 29, by the police based on a tip from a concerned citizen in Barangay Lagtang, Talisay City.

Operatives from the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) headed by Police Lieutenant Colonel Mark Gifter Sucalit, along with Talisay City police, launched the operation that led to the suspect's arrest.

Police were able to recover a .45 caliber pistol and a pack of suspected shabu from the suspect but failed to recover the cash and jewelry that he allegedly stole from Alidani.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Roberto Barnido, chief of the Aloguinsan Police Station, said the inquest proceedings against James Harvey, a former Criminology student, will be done at the Provincial Prosecutor's Office.

James Harvey's cases will be raffled off in Toledo City Regional Trial Court to determine the judge who will handle it.

Barnido said that Nengasca is in their custody now.

Another case in violation of Republic Act (RA) 10591 or illegal possession of a firearm and RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, will be filed today, July 1, by the PIU against the suspect. (TPT)