Fugitive arrested in Sta. Cruz

MANILA, Philippines - One of the country’s most wanted persons was arrested by police officers in Sta. Cruz, Manila Sunday, a Manila Police District official said yesterday.

Elmer Untalan, 34, of Sampaloc, Manila, was reportedly in hiding after he reportedly hurt four persons in a shooting incident in Buenavista, Quezon province last May, according to District Police Intelligence Operations Unit (DPIOU) head Chief Inspector Daniel Buyao Jr.

Buyao received reports that an armed man was creating trouble and threatening residents along Ronquillo street in Sta. Cruz. DPIOU operatives, led by Senior Police Officer 1 Erwin Macaraeg, arrested the man, who turned out to be Untalan, and seized a .22 caliber revolver from him.

Buenavista police station chief Inspector Hobert Sarmiento confirmed that Untalan is wanted for multiple frustrated murder.

Buyao said initial charges of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition were filed against Untalan before Prosecutor Elen Nagtalon-Tumaliuan.

Untalan is being held at the MPD’s Detective Jail and Management Section while waiting for a court order for his eventual transfer to the Quezon provincial jail.