Councilor’s killer nabbed after hiding for 15 years

By MydzSupnad

LAOAG CITY – A top most wanted person in Northern Luzon who carries P75,000 reward on his  head for his capture after he was tagged as the killer of a councilor in 1997, was arrested Thursday by agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Community Investigative Service.

CIDG chief Director Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr. identified the arrested fugitive as Alex Cariaga, 43, of  Divisoria Sur, Maddela, Quirino who had been in hiding.

 Pagdilao said Cariaga was the suspect in the killing of barangay councilman Willy Agustin in June 1997 in  Duripes, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.

Pagdilao said that right after the killing, Cariaga fled to his brother's place in Quezon province and then to Maddela town in Quirino where he eluded justice for 15 years until recently when he was tracked by members of CIS in his hiding place.

 Around 11 a.m.Thursday, members of Ilocos Norte CIDG and CIS  arrestedCariagafollowing a warrant for his arrest issued by Judge Conrado A. Ragucos of Regional Trial Court Laoag City for murder.

 The court recommended no bail for Cariaga.

Region 1 CIDG chief, Senior Supt. Ferdinand Divina said Cariagawas listed as most wanted person in Region 1.  

Cariaga was also listed as Number 3 in Ilocos Norte’smost wanted persons based on list of Provincial Anti-Private Armed Group Task Force. 

 Divina said as consequence of anexecutive order of the governor of Ilocos Norte, a P20,000 reward was allocated by Ilocos Norte provincial government for Cariaga's arrest.