Joselito Malig

Article (news)

THUMBNAIL-CRIME

Dennis Datu

ABS-CBN News

The police Special Investigation Task Group Nodero (SITG Nodero) is exhausting all efforts to build a stronger case and secure more conclusive evidence against the suspect in the brutal killing of eight-year-old Grade 3 student Gianni Rick Nodero in San Pablo City.This comes after the release of the 59-year-old suspect, who had earlier been arrested following an order from the City Prosecutor’s Office citing insufficient evidence.The Prosecutor’s Office directed investigators to gather additional evidence, saying the testimonial accounts of two witnesses were not sufficient. The witnesses claimed that on the day the crime occurred, they saw bloodstains on the suspect’s clothing, and that on the night before the incident, the suspect was seen sharpening a machete.According to Police Colonel Jonar Yupio, provincial director of the Laguna Police Provincial Office, investigators will be able to submit the additional evidence to the Prosecutor’s Office before the deadline on February 2, 2026.“Substantial lang kasi yung mga ebidensya natin na nagpo-point-point sa FAR, pero may mga witnesses tayo na piniprepare para talagang ma-establish natin yung offense,” Yupio said.“Bukod doon sa mga additional requirements, kami ay nagbubuo ng airtight na kaso. Talagang tinitingnan naming lahat ng anggulo,” he added.Yupio further said that the release order issued by the Prosecutor’s Office noted that the prescribed 36-hour hot pursuit period was not observed during the arrest of the suspect.However, Yupio clarified that the 59-year-old uncle of the victim remains the suspect in the crime and that the murder case against him is still ongoing.The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) is also extending assistance to the victim’s family.PAO Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta instructed PAO lawyers to work closely with the San Pablo City Police.“Nagbigay na ako ng direktiba sa mga PAO lawyers sa San Pablo na makipagtulungan sa pulisya para makuha ang statements ng mga saksi, para mapalakas ang mga ebidensya at magkaroon ng preliminary investigation at mahuli at maipakulong muli ang sinasabing salarin,” Acosta said.The victim’s family said it has been deeply painful that the suspect was released.However, the victim’s father said they have not lost hope that the perpetrator will eventually be arrested.Jon-Jon Suarez appealed for his son’s spirit to make itself felt and help identify the killer.“Gabi-gabi, anak, ako ay iyong dalawin sa panaginip. Bigyan mo naman ako kung ano ang nangyari sa iyo, sinong gumawa. Lagi ko sinasabi sa kaniya iyon. Ako naman ay dalawin mo, tulungan mo ako, bigyan mo ako ng clue. Dahil talagang hindi mapakali, hindi ako makatulog. Talagang ipipikit ko ang mata ko, siya ang nakikita ko,” Suarez said.Suarez added that if it were up to him, he would not allow his son to be buried until justice is served, but he said the embalmer did not allow it.

The police Special Investigation Task Group Nodero is exhausting all efforts to build a stronger case and secure more conclusive evidence against the suspect in the brutal killing of eight-year-old Grade 3 student Gianni Rick Nodero in San Pablo City.

The police Special Investigation Task Group Nodero is exhausting all efforts to build a stronger case and secure more conclusive evidence against the suspect in the brutal killing of eight-year-old Grade 3 student Gianni Rick Nodero in San Pablo City.

Police race to build airtight case after suspect in killing of 8-year-old in Laguna released

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Police race to build airtight case after suspect in killing of 8-year-old in Laguna released

Dennis Datu,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jan 14, 2026 12:27 AM PHT

Read More:

Laguna

murder

San Pablo City Police

City Prosecutor's Office

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