Lapu-Lapu's most wanted arrested

CEBU, Philippines - A murder suspect considered the number one most wanted person in Lapu-Lapu City was arrested by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 7 in Davao del Norte last Friday.

Ritchelieu Amodia, 42, of Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City, has been hiding from authorities for 10 years before he was captured in Panabu City, Davao Del Norte.

Amodia was arrested at his residence in a joint operation of the CIDG-7 and the Panabo City Police Station after three days of surveillance.

He was arrested by virtue of a warrant for murder issued by Judge Benedicto Cobarde of Regional Trial Court Branch 53 in Lapu-Lapu City.

Amodia eluded arrest after he was linked to the shooting of Edward Cañares evening on August 24, 2003 at the B.F. Homes, Pajac, Abuno, Lapu-Lapu City. Amodia had cohorts but it was him who was identified during the crime.

A bounty of P90,000 was placed for his capture.

CIDG 7 Director Sr. Supt. Ritchie Posadas said Caroline, the widow of the victim, also told them that Amodia was allegedly involved in several robbery cases involving a Japanese national, a convenience store, and a factory worker.

He was also allegedly involved in the shooting of a taxi driver.

"We are yet to check if he has pending warrants of arrest of the said crimes in Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue City," Posadas said in a press conference.

Posadas said they are also checking if Amodia is a member of the Amodia group, a robbery group operating in Lapu-Lapu City.

"We are also to check if the group is still active and to know its other members," he said.

In a separate interview, Amodia denied any involvement in the crimes mentioned. He clarified that he never escaped because it just happened that his source of income is in Davao Del Norte where he inherited a portion of a lot from his mother.

"Tingala na lang ko nga nalutsan kog warrant kay wa ko kaila anang biktima ug dili pud ko miyembro anang grupo," Amodia said.

He said he will face the charges in court.  (FREEMAN)