CEBU (Updated) -- The suspect behind the murder of 29-year-old Marie Alexi Bolongaita was arrested in a hospital in Cebu City hours after he committed the crime.
Cebu City Police Director Joel Doria identified the suspect as Reynante Comendador Mambiar, 36, a resident of Salinas Drive, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.
Doria told reporters that Mambiar was arrested in a follow-up operation by intelligence operatives from the City Intelligence Branch (CIB) and homicide investigators from the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO).
Mambiar sustained a gunshot wound on his face, a stab wound on his shoulder, and lacerations on his body.
Mambiar's motorcycle and bloodied clothes were recovered in his aunt's house on Salinas Drive in Barangay Lahug together with the victim's bag and cellphone.
He reportedly arrived at his aunt's house past 3 a.m. to ask for help.
"The victim really resisted him and managed to stab and shoot him in the face before she was shot by the suspect," Doria said.
In a Balitang Bisdak report, SPO2 Rommel Bancog of the Homicide Section said that Mambiar admitted to the crime when they interviewed him.
He was also identified by the caretaker.
Doria said that Mambiar, who was recently released from the Cebu City Jail, was the suspect in several burglaries in Barangays Apas, Lahug and Busay.
Mambiar was also caught last Aug. 30 in Lorega by tanods for having two small sachets of shabu in his possession.
Mambiar's mother said that her son was jailed last 2014 for carnapping. (Justin K. Vestil/Johanna Marie Bajenting/SunStar Cebu)