MANILA – One of the suspects in the murder of a Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) student has been arrested by the Manila Police District (MPD).

The suspect was identified as Melvin Balajadia, 29. He was nabbed by authorities in Tacloban City under the supervision of Col. Roderick Mariano after he participated in a crime that led to the death of PLM student Kristine Dawn Concepcion.

Concepcion died from a gunshot wound in her head when she refused to hand over her valuables to the armed suspects who declared a holdup inside a jeepney last March 6.

According to Mariano, Balajadia initially decided to surrender to him and to the chairman of his barangay in Sta. Cruz, Manila after his father Alvino was arrested by virtue of a standing warrant of arrest for power pilferage.

Mariano said Balajadia was also the one who led the police to the identity of his cohort Gerald Camua, who was the one who allegedly shot the victim. Authorities have yet to arrest Camua.

Both Camua and Balajadia are said to be members of the notorious `Sigue-Sigue Sputnik Gang,’ and residents of Tambunting in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

The victim’s father Jessie earlier sought the help of Lim in hunting down the suspects by coordinating with the office of social welfare chief Jay dela Fuente on the matter.

Dela Fuente brought Jessie to Lim who, in turn, directed Gutierrez to conduct a manhunt operation against the suspects.

Jessie also requested an investigation into the Universal Funeral Homes, the funeral parlor where his daughter was taken, saying that upon his arrival, he found his daughter naked.