Alleged pedophile nabbed after car chase

MANILA, Philippines — Three persons were injured in a car chase after a suspected pedophile who had reportedly molested 11 minors tried to escape during an entrapment operation in Manila on Monday night.

Francisco Zorilla, 45, a seaman instructor and businessman, of Maceda Street in Sampaloc, was arrested by operatives of the Manila Police District Special Mayor’s Reaction Team.

SMaRT chief Maj. Rosalino Ibay Jr. said Zorilla was about to meet with a 16-year-old girl and her two companions aged seven and 10, respectively, at the Isetann Mall along C.M. Recto Avenue when he sensed the presence of policemen in the area.

The suspect boarded his car and fled toward Morayta street. Policemen on motorcycles gave chase.

When cornered, Zorilla maneuvered his car and rammed three bystanders along Nicanor Reyes street.

Police said they recovered a hand grenade, condoms, petroleum jelly and liquor in the suspect’s vehicle.

Prior to the operation, 11 minors aged seven to 16 complained to the police that Zorilla allegedly molested them on separate occasions.