2 alleged rob gang members caught

MANILA, Philippines - Two alleged members of the Waray-Waray robbery group were arrested by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents during a raid in Parañaque City yesterday.

The two men – initially identified as Boni and Ka-yo Lungkop – were apprehended at a house in Barangay Manggahan Bukid Puno, the NBI said.

Drug paraphernalia, grenades, various weapons and ammunition were seized from them.

The suspects could be involved in a series of bank and moneychanger shop robberies, as well as a murder case, NBI officials said.

The bureau was still verifying the real identities of the two men as of press time.

However, the group’s reported leader, Noli del Monte, escaped. He is also wanted for frustrated murder in Samar.

The raid was conducted on the strength of search warrants issued by Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 22 Judge Marino dela Cruz.

The NBI has been monitoring the group since November last year. 

The Waray-Waray gang is believed to be behind the robberies at the Imus branch of Banco de Oro and a moneychanger at the Metropoint Mall in Pasay City last year.