Police nab 8 robbers in Manila lair - reports

MANILA, Philippines - Police arrested eight suspected members of a robbery syndicate during a raid in Manila on Tuesday dawn.

Reports said Mandaluyong City policemen, armed with search and arrest warrants, swooped down on the suspects' lair on Sta. Maria Street, Sta. Ana, Manila.

The suspects are allegedly members of the Anovar-Abraham robbery ring, which preys on bus passengers and business establishments in Metro Manila, reports said.

It added that police  located the safehouse of the group after some members of the syndicate were arrested in Mandaluyong.

The suspects, including the live in partner of the group's leader and financier Bernando Mallari,  were allegedly having a drug session during the raid, reports said.

The ring leader  was able to escape during the raid, reports said.

Mallari's live in partner, Rosario Domingo, denied being part of the group's operation.

Police recovered from the group's lair guns, hand grenades, several ammunition, mobile phones and a motorcycle.