Alleged crime gang leader arrested

MANILA, Philippines -  A man who reportedly leads a robbery and car theft gang, believed to be behind a rash of crimes in the eastern part of Metro Manila, and his companion were arrested after they attended a court hearing in Pasig City yesterday.

Robert Joseph Paguia, 38; and Rodel Macalino, 30, had just attended a hearing on the attempted homicide and illegal possession of firearms charges against them at Pasig’s justice hall building when they were served an arrest warrant for robbery by a team headed by Inspector Bat Sumulong.

The warrant was issued by Judge Anjanette de Leon-Ortile of the Marikina City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 156.

“Their neutralization is a big relief not only among our residents but also those living in areas near Pasig City,” Pasig police chief Senior Superintendent Mario Rariza Jr., in a hastily called press conference at the police headquarters yesterday.

Paguia admitted to participating in crimes attributed to his group, Rariza said.

He said Paguia and Macalino – along with alleged gang members Mayo Cortiz, Mark Angelo Eneria, and Rodrigo Pito – were arrested after shooting it out with the Eastern Police District’s Special Operations and Special Weapons and Tactics units on Jan. 21.

The group yielded high-powered firearms, including a Thompson submachine gun; a .45 caliber pistol; assorted ammunition; five stolen motorcycles and several sachets of shabu.

They posted bail and reportedly returned to their illegal activities, Rariza said.

Aside from car theft and robbery, Rariza said the group is also facing charges of homicide, attempted homicide, illegal discharge of firearms and possession of illegal drugs.

Witnesses also identified Paguia’s group as the ones who killed gym instructor Randy Manoloto on Dec. 9, 2011 in Barangay Parang, Marikina City.

Paguia and Macalino are being held at Pasig City jail pending the filing of charges against them.