A prime suspect in the foiled ambush of former Pangasinan governor and congressman Amado Espino Jr. and his companions in 2019 was arrested on Monday.

The Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) identified the suspect as Arnulfo Cerezo Alipio, who was arrested at his residence in Barangay Naguiliyan, this town, on Monday.

At a press conference, PPPO director Col. Jeff Fanged said Alipio was monitored by authorities for five months prior to the arrest.

“[We employed] also civilian agents to eventually catch the most wanted person in the province,” he said.

Alipio was allegedly a key member of the infamous Sison Group, a suspected private armed group.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government had offered a reward of PHP355,000 for his capture.

“Throughout the operation, the officers diligently adhered to protocol, using an alternative recording device and ensuring Alipio’s constitutional rights were respected. Presently undergoing necessary documentation and disposition, Mr. Alipio remains securely in custody,” the PPPO said.

Fanged said the suspect has multiple warrants of arrest for a range of serious criminal offenses, including two counts of murder, frustrated murder and three counts of attempted murder, all related to the foiled ambush.

Fanged said two more suspects in the ambush are still at large.

Espino and five others on board two vehicles were ambushed at the intersection of Barangay Magtaking and Barangay Ilang in San Carlos City Sept. 11, 2019.

Espino was wounded while his driver and one of his security aides were killed. (PNA)

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