MM’s most wanted man arrested

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Manila’s most wanted man was arrested in Manila on Thursday, an official said yesterday.

Danilo Villanueva, is reportedly behind a rash of murders and robberies in northern Metro Manila, according to Chief Superintendent Fernando Mendez, Intelligence Group (IG) chief.

Villanueva was apprehended in front of a casino at the intersection of Rizal Avenue and Carriedo street by police officers from the IG and Navotas at around 2 a.m. Thursday, Mendez said. 

His arrest stemmed from a warrant for the murder of Lance Ignacio in August 2011, issued by Malabon Regional Trial Court Judge Zaldy Docena of Branch 170, Senior Superintendent Ronaldo Lee, chief of the IG’s counter-intelligence division (CID) said.

Lee said Villanueva is also suspected of killing “Mico” in North Bay Boulevard South in March 2000; Rey Almario in Area 1, Navotas in September 2001; “Joey,” “Mata” and Toning Almario in Area 1 and an unidentified victim on Road 10 in Puting Bato in February 2003; “Koro” and “Kalabaw” in Malabon in February 2003; and “Romey” and “Taba” in June 2006. 

According to Lee, Villanueva is also allegedly involved in highway robberies and drug trafficking in Malabon and Navotas.

The suspect was brought to the IG office in Camp Crame for proper documentation and disposition, he said.