A multiple murder suspect in Siaton town was apprehended by joint operatives of the provincial police and National Bureau of Investigation at a checkpoint Wednesday, in Bindoy, Oriental Negros.

Seized from the suspect identified as Sandalou Mongolare, 39, of Sta. Monica, Banilad, Dumaguete City were an unlicensed .45 caliber pistol, and an unregistered motorcycle.

The checkpoint was set up in line with the Commission on Election gun ban. Through counsels Felipe and Anna Priscilla Pareja, Mongolare posted P80,000 bail for illegal possession, and P24,000 for the COMELEC gun ban before Metropolitan Trial Court of Bais City presiding Judge Rogaciano Rivera.

He was released from police custody Friday, PNP records showed.

The NBI-Dumaguete and provincial PNP command revealed that the suspect was the same person who has a standing alias warrant of arrest for murder signed by Regional Trial Court Branch 34 Executive Judge Rosendo Bandal Jr., committed in Siaton four years ago.

Four witnesses who were close friends of Mongolare positively identified him as Randy, or Sandalou Mongolare.

His co-accused, Dandan Elloren, identified him as the Randy Mongolare, who killed Jose Eluspa in June of 2003 and stole the victim's motorcycle.

The suspect's lawyers, however, assailed the manner of arresting their client who, they claimed, was not apprised of his rights. They said they may also file charges against the NBI and the PNP personnel for illegal arrest and human rights violations.

Police provincial director S/Supt. Melvin Buenafe said Mongolare is considered a fugitive from justice and could be responsible for various criminalities.

NBI-Dumaguete bureau chief Dominador Cimafranca provided a copy of the alias warrant of arrest against Mongolare. But his lawyers insisted that their client is Sandalou Mongolare and not Randy Mongolare as written in the warrant. Witnesses said the suspect was working as bodyguard of realtor Mely Alarcio.*MA

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