Wife of alleged mastermind in Arvin, Lerma Lulu killings faces double murder complaint
The spouse of the alleged mastermind in the fatal shooting of online seller couple Arvin and Lerma Lulu is now facing a complaint for double murder.
PNP PRO-3 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan told GMA's 24 Oras that initial evidence have shown that she was involved in the killing of the victims. "Base doon sa ating mga statements of witnesses and other evidence ay kasama siya kapag nagkakaroon ng pag-uusap yung mastermind at yung mga gunmen," he said.
The Philippine National Police is also requesting a lookout bulletin order with the Bureau of Immigration to keep an eye on her whereabouts, the news outlet reported.
Lerma and Arvin, who sold beauty products starting in 2015, were in their car when two motorcycle riders came up and gunned them down on Oct. 4. Arvin was shot six times and Lerma three.
Their six-year-old kid and Lerma's teenage cousin, who were in the vehicle with them, weren't hit.
Jay Dimaandal, provincial director of Pampanga police, said the alleged mastermind—Anthony Limon—allegedly owed Lerma and Arvin P13 million, noting it's a possible motive for the murder.
Dimaandal said Limon allegedly looked for a middleman to have Arvin and Lerma murdered, hiring gunmen and paying them P900,000 to steal a check as well as two mobile phones at the couple’s home.
Pampanga police arrested Limon and six other suspects—Arnold Taylan, Arnel Buan, Robert Dimaliwat, Rolando Cruz, Jomie Rabandaban, Sancho Nieto, and the alleged mastermind Anthony Limon—on Oct. 15. They are facing two counts of murder.
If found guilty, they may be sentenced to 40 years in prison (reclusion perpetua) and barred from seeking public office for life.
Philippine National Police chief Rommel Marbil said justice cannot wait following the suspects' arrest.
“The PNP will stop at nothing to ensure that every victim of violence receives the justice they deserve," Marbil said. "The swift arrest of these suspects is a testament to our unwavering commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect the innocent."