Fugitive wanted for robberies, rape falls

MANILA, Philippines — After nearly a decade of evading authorities, a man wanted for multiple robberies and rape was arrested in Barangay Sta. Ana, Taguig City on Friday.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Anthony Mungas Gayas, 30, was the subject of an arrest warrant for rape issued by a Taguig court in September 2013.

In a separate report, the Southern Police District said that Gayas was tagged in two robberies in Las Piñas on Feb. 29 and March 1.

He was also reportedly involved in robberies in Rizal, Taguig, Parañaque and Cavite.

Gayas will also face a charge of illegal possession of explosives after police recovered from him a hand grenade.

The NCRPO said Aga Fuentes Mercado, 23; Alex Pataksil, 40, and Mark Madrona, 39, were arrested for obstructing Gayas’ apprehension.

Police recovered a .45-caliber pistol from Pataksil and a .38-caliber revolver from Mercado.

All four men are alleged members of a gang linked to robberies in southern Metro Manila and Rizal province, police said.