Family of Arvin, Lerma Lulu says they're getting death threats, alleged mastermind even attended slain couple's wake
The family of online seller couple Arvin and Lerma Lulu, who were fatally shot in Pampanga early this month, said they have been receiving death threats.
In an interview on Radyo5's Wanted sa Radyo on Wednesday, Oct. 16, the slain couple's family said they're looking forward to getting justice over Lerma and Arvin's deaths as Pampanga police have arrested seven suspects—Arnold Taylan, Arnel Buan, Robert Dimaliwat, Rolando Cruz, Jomie Rabandaban, Sancho Nieto, and the alleged mastermind Anthony Limon—on Oct. 15.
Leslie Manabat, the victim's sister, sought police protection amid the death threats they've been getting following the Lulu couple's murder.
"Natatakot din po kami," Manabat said. "Sana mabigyan din kami ng protection, lalo't may pagbabanta din sa amin."
Manabat also noted that Limon and his wife even attended the wake of Arvin and Lerma.
"Nakakaano lang din," she said, "kasi walang 'Condolence.' Agad tinatanong saan 'yung burol."
Manabat said Limon and his spouse stayed long in the wake, which she found disturbing.
Lerma and Arvin, who sold beauty products starting in 2015, were in their car when two motorcycle riders came up and gunned them down on Oct. 4. Arvin was shot six times and Lerma three.
Their six-year-old kid and Lerma's teenage cousin, who were in the car with them, weren't hit.
Jay Dimaandal, provincial director of Pampanga police, said Limon allegedly owed Lerma and Arvin P13 million, noting it's a possible motive for the murder.
Dimaandal said Limon allegedly looked for a middleman to have Arvin and Lerma murdered, hiring gunmen and paying them P900,000 to steal a check as well as two mobile phones at the couple’s home.
The suspects are facing two counts of murder.
If found guilty, they may be sentenced to 40 years in prison (reclusion perpetua) and barred from seeking public office for life.
Philippine National Police chief Rommel Marbil said justice cannot wait following the suspects' arrest.
“The PNP will stop at nothing to ensure that every victim of violence receives the justice they deserve," Marbil said. "The swift arrest of these suspects is a testament to our unwavering commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect the innocent."