By: Nino Aclan

NATIONAL  Capital Region Police Office Chief, PMGEN JOSE MELENCIO C NARTATEZ, JR, commended the intensified manhunt operations resulting in the successful service of the warrant of arrest against Orly Mendoza alias  “Orly” a key figure in the murder of Percy Lapid. Mendoza was listed as the top 4 Most Wanted Persons of the NCRPO.

This identification is connected to the Warrant of Arrest under Criminal Case No. 23-0319 issued by Hon. Harold Cesar C. Huliganga of RTC Branch 254, Las Piñas City, on April 14, 2023, for the crime of murder related to the high-profile killing of media personality Percy Lapid on October 3, 2022, in BF Resort Village, Las Piñas City. 

RD NARTATEZ said that Orly acted as the driver of the motorcycle used by Gunman Joel Escorial during the killing of Percy Lapid. He also participated in the planning and Surveillance of the victims together with Escorial and Dimaculangan brothers, Edmon and Israel.

After months of meticulous investigation and information gathered from reliable sources and case build-up, a  Case Operational Plan (COPLAN) was crafted. Upon profiling, the real name of the accused was disclosed as Orlando alias Orly Almanon, a native of Baco, Oriental Mindoro.

The operation, code-named COPLAN “CEZAR” was conducted by the Regional Special Operations Group-Regional Intelligence Division (RSOG-RID), NCRPO;  PRO4A, Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) PRO4A;  National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA);  National Bureau of Investigation (NBI); Special Action Force (SAF), and the Lipa City Police Station, between 4:00 AM and 7:10 AM at Purok 6, Barangay Lumbang, Lipa City, Batangas. 

PMGEN NARATATEZ said that “on the day of the operation, the NCRPO supported by SWAT units from CALABARZON, executed the warrant of arrest. Almanon, who was armed and dangerous, initially refused to surrender and took his live-in partner and child hostage. 

The situation led to a prolonged negotiation process, involving local officials such as the barangay captain and family members. The negotiation resulted in the safe release of the hostage victims. However, shortly after, Almanon tragically took his own life in front of the negotiators and family members.”

“The NCRPO remains committed to ensuring justice for Percy Lapid and addressing the challenges posed by those involved in this tragic conspiracy. The ongoing efforts of our operatives and partner agencies reflect our dedication to upholding the rule of law and securing justice for all victims,” RD NARTATEZ added.