QCPD disputes theory on rob gang leader’s ‘escape’

The members of robbery-homicide suspect Pedro Rodica’s gang would not have a motive for snatching him from police custody, the chief investigator of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) yesterday.

Superintendent Franklin Moises Mabanag, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit of the QCPD, said that contrary to earlier reports, Rodica had given his gangmates their share of the gang's P100-million loot and spent his share on buying land.

“There’s no more money left with Rodica. It’s all been converted to real estate. He has used all the money to invest in real estate properties in (his hometown in) Mindoro,” mostly resorts, he told The STAR in an interview.

QCPD director Senior Superintendent Magtanggol Gatdula told The STAR that authorities are still searching for Rodica, especially in the latter’s hometown in Mindoro.

Mabanag issued his statement after Manila City Jail warden Superintendent Emilio Culang said the eight armed who snatched Rodica from his police escorts last Friday on Edsa were after the more than P100-million loot reportedly still in his possession.

Rodica was previously snatched from his jail escorts also by armed men in Ermita, Manila in December last year while on his way to attend a hearing at a Makati court.

Gatdula earlier said the gang, which is said to be composed of former military and police officers, had amassed more than P100 million from robbing money changer shops.

According to Culang, he received information that after Rodica was snatched last year, he was brought to Teresa, Rizal, where he was forced to reveal where he stashed the loot.  

Culang said Rodica eventually was able to escape but sustained a gunshot wound. He nursed his wound in Cavite before going back to his hometown in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

But last April 15, Rodica was again arrested by the police and was turned over to the QCPD to face charges in relation to a robbery incident involving a money exchange shop in Cubao in July 2006, in which his group killed the victim.