Authorities have arrested two suspects linked to the killing of a Korean businessman whose body was later found inside a vehicle in Nueva Ecija, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.
The suspects were identified as Aaron Justin Manuel, 27, and his former partner, Andrea Mones, 23. Both were taken into custody at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, days after the victim was reported killed.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the arrests were carried out three days after the killing of Korean businessman Shin Bongsub, 37, in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija.
A 9mm pistol believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered during the operation, authorities said.
Investigators said the victim, who was involved in the distribution of beauty products, was initially picked up in an SUV before being brought to a location in Pampanga, where the killing allegedly took place.
Police said the victim was later discovered inside the same vehicle in Nueva Ecija.
Authorities said the case stemmed from an alleged unpaid debt of around P200,000 involving one of the suspects.
Follow-up operations and CCTV-based tracking led to the identification and arrest of the suspects, police said.
PNP officials credited coordinated work between units in Central Luzon for the swift resolution of the case.
“This swift resolution is the result of firm, coordinated police work supported by CCTV intelligence efforts, and close cooperation among our units and partners,” Nartatez said.
He also praised regional police units for what he described as an intelligence-driven investigation.
“I commend PRO-3 for an outstanding display of an intelligence-driven police criminal investigation,” he said.
Investigation is still ongoing.