Suspect in ‘serial killing’ surrenders

By Albert B. Lacanlale

ANGELES CITY—After five days in hiding, the suspect in the killing of a former US Air Force serviceman and five Filipinos in a subdivision here last week surrendered to operatives to face multiple charges of homicide and robbery.

Mark Dizon, 28, surrendered to combined group of peace-keeping volunteers and personnel of the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO) in San Fernando City, La Union.

According to reports, Dizon’s surrender came after series of negotiations held since July 25 that involved his parents.

He was billeted at the Plaza Hotel in San Fernando City until he was convinced to turn himself in around 4:30 p.m. July 27.

Dizon had been wanted by the police for being tagged in the killing of US Air Force M/Sgt. Albert Mitchell, his wife Janet Andrenada and their house helps Isabel Fajardo, Marissa Prado, and Boy Vergara in Hensonville Court Subdivision, Barangay Malabanias here.

Rey Malig, founding president of Tropang Crime Watch, the group that assisted the police in negotiating with Dizon, said the suspect was convinced to surrender after being assured of his safety and a fair trial.

Before going to La Union, the suspect was spotted in a mall in Tarlac.

“He confirmed reports that he was spotted in a mall in Tarlac. But, he denies report that his parents have conspired with him to go in hiding,” Malig said.

Recovered from Dizon are one .32 caliber firearm with magazine loaded with eight live ammunitions, one laptop, a mobile phone and some personal belongings.

Dizon is also being linked in the July 12 killing of another foreigner, Geoffrey Allan Bennun, and Filipina, Abegail Helina at the Oasis Hotel and Villas in Clarkville Compound in Barangay Anunas also in this city.

He is also being accused as the lone gunman who robbed and killed British national James Bolton Porter, 51, a British national and his live-in partner, Melissa Madarang, 22, on July 16 at the Sta. Maria Subdivision in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City .

Bounty

Over the weekend, expatriates in Angeles City raised a P100,000-bounty for the arrest of Dizon, a computer technician, who turned out to be also wanted for carnapping several years back.

Angeles City mayor Edgardo Pamintuan was also poised to ask the Department of Justice to issue a hold-departure order against Dizon to ensure that he could not escape out of the country.