‘Gapos Gang’ leader arrested in Navotas

MANILA, Philippines – The chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Wednesday said its operative units arrested the “Gapos Gang” leader, included in the list of the most wanted persons, in Navotas City.

CIDG Chief Police Director Victor Deona said the operatives of CIDG-Anti-Organized Crime Unit (AOCU) nabbed the suspect identified as Ami Magnaan on Tuesday afternoon along C3 Road, Marcelo Street, NBBS, Navotas City.

Magnaan is the leader of “Magnaan Gapos Gang,” attacking in Metro Manila and nearby provinces by hogtying their victims before stealing from them. He was long been wanted for robbery with homicide and was issued a warrant of arrest by Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 10 Judge Virgilio Alameda.

AOCU Chief Superintendent Samson Belmonte said Magnaan was the primary suspect in the killing of Japanese national Tomoyuki Takasugi who was stabbed to death at the Malate Bay View Mansion, Malate, Manila on May 17, 2015.

Belmonte said Magnaan was first arrested for robbery with intimidation of person in September 1995 in Mariveles, Bataan but was released in early 2009. His then victim was identified as Bien Rodriguez.

He also has a pending case of murder in April 2009. The pending case is now under Lamao, Bataan RTC.

Magnaan is temporarily detained at the CIDG AOCU office before he will be turned over to the court of origin.