GERONA, Tarlac — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has arrested the alleged mastermind in the killing of a barangay chairman and her husband here.

CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat released a statement over the weekend that 34-year-old Jessie Mendoza was arrested in Gerona on Thursday by the CIDG-Central Luzon, and other PNP personnel with a search warrant.

Mendoza will be charged with violating Republic Acts 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Law), and 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosives).

The operation stemmed from information given by arrested gunman Marlon Cunanan, the suspect in the killing of Barangay Plastado chair Editha Zarzuela, 61, and her husband Edgar Zarzuela, 68, last 30 November.

The motive was competition for the interest in the sale of a property, the gunman said.

After the killing, Cunanan said he turned over the gun and the motorcycle to Mendoza. Mendoza also staked out the couple.

Seized from Mendoza were a hand grenade, the cal. 45 pistol said to have been used in the attack, and various ammunition.