The second of three suspects in the brutal killing of Binalbagan Catholic College (BCC) teacher Tony Lazaga, was arrested in Barangay Tinongan, Isabela, 3 p.m. Thursday, August 17, Maj. Randy Babor, Binalbagan police chief, said.
Arrested was John Paulo Fernandez, 21, of Binalbagan town, Negros Occidental, he said.
Negotiations are ongoing for the surrender of the third suspect, Babor added.
Hours after Lazaga was killed in Brgy. San Pedro, Binalbagan, the Binalbagan police arrested, Johnrey Castino, 19.
Babor said based on their investigation all three suspects took part in the stabbing of Lazaga, who sustained 16 stab wounds.
Robbery with homicide charges will be filed against all three, Babor said.
Babor said they had CCTV footage of the three near the BCC and a witness.
Castino told the police that their plan was to holdup whoever was the first to pass by, Babor said.
The teacher had attended a birthday party in Bacolod City and after arriving at the Binalbagan bus station walked towards his boarding house but was waylaid by his assailants. His body was discovered at 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, the police said.
CONSCIENCE STRICKEN
Castino, in an interview Thursday afternoon at his cell at the Binalbagan Police Station, said he was conscience stricken and regrets what happened.
He has not been able to sleep and is asking the family of the teacher for forgiveness, Castino said.
He admitted drinking alcohol but denied using drugs.
Although he was with the two other suspects, Castino denied that he took part in the stabbing.
Castino, who had studied at BCC, said he did not know who their victim was until later.
They were just “tripping” and had planned on victimizing the first person who passed by, he said.
He said they followed Lazaga and their third companion whom he identified as Jonathan approached him and pointed his knife.
The teacher hit him on the head with his umbrella and shouted “bulig, bulig (help, help)” prompting Jonathan to stab him multiple times, while their other companion held him down, Castino said.
The initial plan was just to follow and scare the victim, he said.
Castino said he went home and told his mother what happened and she went to the police.
He is willing to be a witness against his two companions whom he urged to surrender and admit what they did, Castino said.
COMMITMENT TO STUDENTS
The BCC, in a statement, described Lazaga as “an esteemed faculty member known for his unwavering commitment to his students’ growth and development. His passion for teaching and his positive impact on countless lives will forever be remembered”.
He was not just a teacher but a source of inspiration to his students and colleagues, the BCC said.
“His dedication to fostering a love for learning and creating a nurturing environment will be remembered by all whose lives he touched,”
it added.
“In response to this devastating event, BCC is working closely with local law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation takes place. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our utmost priority,” the statement added.*
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said he understands the teacher had 16 stab wounds, “nobody deserves even just one stab wound”.
“I condole with the family of the victim,” he said.*