TAGAYTAY CITY, CAVITE — The suspect accused of murdering an Australian couple and a Filipino woman at the Lake Hotel in Tagaytay City last week surrendered voluntarily to local authorities early Wednesday morning.
According to Philippine News Agency, chief of police at the Tagaytay Component City Police Station, the suspect, known as "Ronel", a 33-year-old male from Amadeo, Cavite, and a former employee of the hotel, turned himself in to Mayor Jey Cerrado of Tuy, Batangas. The suspect had been hiding in Batangas following the crime. Mayor Cerrado then handed him over to Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino, who subsequently transferred custody to the police.
The victims were identified as David James Fisk and Lucita Cortez, an Australian couple, and Mary Jane Cortez, their Filipino companion. During the police investigation, it emerged that Ronel's motive for the killings stemmed from a grievance over his termination from employment at the hotel, as stated by Capagcuan.
The suspect is currently detained at the Tagaytay Component City Police Station awaiting further legal proceedings. Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas, Director of Police Regional Office 4A (Calabarzon), commended the Special Investigation Task Group David Fisk, led by Col. Eleuterio Ricardo Jr., for their dedication in swiftly identifying the suspect and ensuring that justice is pursued.