MANILA, Philippiens – A Filipino American, who is suspected of murdering a woman in Zambales and who has fled to the United States, is set to be extradited to the Philippines.
Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila de Lima confirmed that the suspect was arrested in Iowa and will face trial for murder in Iba, Zambales.
De Lima said they were given 60 days to submit the extradition request to the US authorities.
Authorities earlier said Jonathan Dwayne Ciocon Viane, who is a resident of Anchorage, Alaska, may have killed Aika Mojica for telling his ex-wife, Liane, about the whereabouts of the couple’s child.
Mojica and Liane are close friends.
Viane had brought the child to the Philippines amid a custody fight with the child's mother. (READ: Arrest warrants out as suspect in Olongapo murder flees to US)
The victim’s body was discovered in a ditch in San Felipe town in Zambales on July 25. Police said her body had been burned, sustained gunshot wounds, and may have been strangled.
Authorities recovered 3 9mm bullet shells from the scene.
Viane’s co-accused, Niño Dela Cruz, was arrested on August 12 in Metro Manila and is being held at the Zambales Provincial Jail. – Rappler.com