2 nabbed over Cagayan gold buyers’ murder

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March 15, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Two men have been arrested in connection with the murder of three gold buyers in Lal-lo, Cagayan on Thursday.

The suspects, identified as Frederick Usana, 31, and Rodel Sabal, 48, were collared in a follow-up operation in the nearby town of Buguey on Friday, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

The arrest came after the PNP launched a manhunt for people who robbed and killed gold buyers Salic, Mutalib and Janisah, all surnamed Amerol.

Probers said the arresting team seized from the suspects a pistol, a rifle, two shotguns, a rifle grenade, ammunition, phones, tactical gear and sling bags.

The suspects were brought to the Buguey police station for questioning.

Initial investigation showed the fatalities, who were residents of a Muslim community in Tuguegarao, went to Lal-lo to supposedly meet a man who offered to sell them gold worth P1.2 million.

The victims were with two relatives when they left home in a Toyota Vios.

Upon arrival at the town proper, their contact reportedly told them that they must go with him to Barangay Sta. Teresa, a remote village where the gold was supposedly located.

The victims agreed to go to the village with the man while their two companions stayed behind.

A few hours later, the victims were found dead with gunshot wounds in Barangay Sta. Teresa.

Probers found out that the assailants returned to the town proper in the victims’ car to supposedly look for two others who stayed behind.

The assailants did not find the relatives of the victims.