Police have arrested three people allegedly involved in the killing of a 35-year-old utility worker inside a fast-food restaurant in Barangay Don Mariano Marcos, Jaen, Nueva Ecija, on the morning of August 20. Investigators identified one of the suspects as the alleged female mastermind behind the attack.
Authorities said surveillance footage captured the shooting, which helped investigators piece together the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the Jaen Police Station, the killing was allegedly connected to a previous dispute between the victim and a former co-worker. The conflict reportedly escalated after the woman was dismissed from her job following an argument involving the victim.
Investigators believe the woman later arranged for the victim to be killed. She allegedly recruited two others for the operation and paid them a combined P29,500.
Police said P13,000 was given to the motorcycle driver assigned to help the suspects leave the area after the shooting. The alleged gunman received the remaining amount and reportedly purchased a revolver for P2,000 before carrying out the attack.
The driver was arrested first during a follow-up operation. Police said he subsequently provided information that led authorities to the alleged mastermind. The suspected gunman was later apprehended in Barangay Valdefuente, Cabanatuan City.
All three suspects remain detained at the Jaen Police Station and are expected to face murder charges.
