Main Suspect In Baguio Massacre Surrenders In Manila But Denies Committing The Crime

Philip Tolentino Avino, 31 years old, the person being tagged with the grisly murders of five people in Baguio City has surrendered in Cubao, Quezon City through Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno. In a post published on his official Facebook page, Moreno divulged the details surrounding Avino's surrender.

Avino approached his half-brother, PO3 Jeffrey Sta. Ana of the Quezon City police who in turn arranged for Avino's surrender by seeking the help of Manila Barangay 584 chairwoman Chit Tolentino who also happens to be the suspect's aunt. In coordination with Manila councilor DJ Bagatsing, Avino surrendered to Moreno in Cubao, Quezon City at around midnight.

However, Avino denies the allegations that he was behind the murders in Baguio City. He claims that he was on a bus heading to Manila during the time that the massacre happened. He also claims that he is being framed for the crime.

Photo from Isko Moreno's Facebook page

On the afternoon of April 6 (Sunday), a man got inside an apartment in Kayang Street, Hilltop in Baguio City and stabbed to death five people, three of whom were children. A witness who was a former live-in partner of Avino linked the latter to the crime. After Avino was identified as the prime suspect, Baguio City Mauricio Domogan has offered a bounty of Php100,000 to anyone who can pinpoint the man's whereabouts.

In denying the crime, Avino will have to prove that he was indeed on a bus when the crime happened. Previous reports have stated that some items which belonged to him like a belt were found at the crime scene.

Avino will soon be turned over to the Baguio City Police which is in charge of the investigation into the case.