Manhunt on for ‘rescued’ inmate

A massive manhunt has been launched against a leader of a robbery gang who was snatched by two armed men from his lone security officer while on the way to a court hearing in Makati City.

Pedro Reodica, 24 – leader of the “Reodica Gang,” whose members are former soldiers who prey upon moneychangers – is also facing charges for killing two Manila policemen in a shootout during one of his capers.

The Manila police arrested Reodica and Corporal Juanito Buton, whose last known assignment was at the 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, last Sept. 21, 2006 for allegedly robbing the Triple-S Money Changer Shop in Ermita.

Buton was able to post bail, but Reodica was committed to the Manila City Jail (MCJ) on the strength of an arrest warrant implicating him in the killing of the two policemen, a non-bailable offense.

Sources at the Manila Police District said that with Reodica and Buton now out of jail, the Reodica Gang could resume their robbing spree.

Reodica and Buton “are the leaders who can consolidate their former comrades to again create havoc among moneychangers,” sources said. 

Reodica was being escorted by Jail Officer 2 Salvador Tan on his way to attend a hearing at the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 142 when two armed men snatched him as he was about to board a passenger jeepney.

Reodioca was whisked to a motorcycle driven by another armed man, who immediately sped away. The other man who held up the jail guard escaped on foot.

MCJ warden Superintendent Emilio Culang said photos of Reodica will be disseminated to all law enforcement units.