Boss Murdered: Manager Identified as Perpetrator of Homicide

On a fateful afternoon, the streets of Cebu City echoed with the sound of screeching tires and the shrill wail of sirens. A notorious gunman, Russell Niño Zapeda, had struck again, murdering a 24-year-old store manager named Frince Ordeñiza. The gruesome crime occurred on J. Luna corner Samar Loop, Barrio Luz, Cebu City on April 14, 2025.

Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia expressed his condolences and called for justice. "I understand that the arrest of the suspect cannot fill the void left by the loss of the victim's family, but it is a step towards bringing her and her family justice," he stated. The mayor pledged his administration's continued support to the police until Cebu City becomes a place where crime is no longer an option.

Ordeñiza resided in a boarding house in Barrio Luz. Originally from Barangay Bahay, Sibonga, she was found dead, her body bearing multiple gunshot wounds and showing signs of struggle.

The suspect, Zapeda, was apprehed on April 25, 2025, at the Mabolo Police Station, Cebu City Police Office, after a tip-off led police to his location. Armed and dangerous, Zapeda was apprehended in an armed standoff.

Gunman's Accomplice

Christian Christopher Marapoc, a known associate of the gunman, was identified as the one who hired him. Marapoc is believed to have provided the getaway vehicle for the gunman. The police continue to investigate Marapoc and a socio-civic organization he is reportedly associated with.

Zapeda was found in possession of a .38 caliber pistol with three bullets and a grenade. His presence at numerous crime scenes in Metro Cebu and the surrounding areas indicates he may be part of a larger criminal network.

Authorities discovered that Zapeda had worked at the establishment where Ordeñiza was murdered several days prior, on April 11 and 13, 2025, as seen on CCTV cameras.

Police Colonel Enrico Figueroa, head of the Cebu City Police Office, stated that Zapeda is a gun for hire operating in the Metro Cebu area and beyond. Figueroa hinted that more individuals involved in the crime could be apprehended soon.

According to Figueroa, Zapeda admitted to accepting a bribe of P20,000 from Marapoc to carry out the murder. Zapeda also revealed that Marapoc provided him with a motorcycle and weapons for the job.

Marapoc claimed that he had only hired Zapeda to follow Ordeñiza, but he hadn't expected Zapeda to kill the victim. "He (Marapoc) approached me and asked me to follow [the victim], I followed her for almost two weeks. We only had brief conversations when I met her, but I knew he (Marapoc) wanted me to harm her," Zapeda confessed.

Zapeda carried out the crime with the weapons provided by Marapoc and the bribe money.

Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, head of the Police Regional Office, is optimistic that they are making progress in the case. He stated that although the mastermind behind the murder, Marapoc, is still at large, they are confident that they will apprehend him soon.

"Our swift capture of the gunman is a testament to our commitment to the family of the victim. We pledge to bring them justice by apprehending the gunman and those involved in the murder before the victim's body is buried," Maranan declared.

Zapeda expressed remorse for his actions and apologized to the Ordeñiza family. "I'm sorry to Frince and her family for the pain I caused by taking her life, it was a horrible thing I did. I hope you can forgive me and give me a chance to atone," Zapeda stated.

The police continue to investigate Christian Christopher Marapoc, a known associate of the gunman, who is believed to have hired the suspect, Russell Niño Zapeda, and provided the getaway vehicle for the crime.
Police Colonel Enrico Figueroa, head of the Cebu City Police Office, stated that Zapeda is a gun for hire operating in the Metro Cebu area and beyond, and hinted that more individuals involved in the crime could be apprehended soon.
Zapeda admitted to accepting a bribe of P20,000 from Marapoc to carry out the murder and also revealed that Marapoc provided him with a motorcycle and weapons for the job.
According to Figueroa, Zapeda carried out the crime with the weapons provided by Marapoc and the bribe money.
Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, head of the Police Regional Office, is optimistic that they are making progress in the case and is confident that they will apprehend Marapoc soon, stating that their swift capture of the gunman is a testament to their commitment to justice and the family of the victim.