Murder suspect escapes in Caloocan

MANILA, Philippines — The second most wanted man in Caloocan City escaped while his accomplice was wounded in an encounter with police officers Wednesday night. 

Police served an arrest warrant for murder issued by the Caloocan Regional Trial Court Branch 122 against Amado Lat in Bagong Silang.

Upon seeing the approaching police officers, Lat’s accomplices opened fire, prompting the police to retaliate, hitting Benedict Gregorio.

According to an intelligence report, Gregorio was also involved in a group engaged in contract killing and robbery, according to Police Community Precinct 3 station commander Chief Inspector Raymond Nicolas.

Gregorio was rushed to the Jose Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Police Officer 1 Isaac Orillanes was hit by shrapnel in the stomach, Nicolas said.

Meanwhile, Lat and his accomplice Alfie Hingabay were able to escape. 
Police recovered a .38 caliber firearm at the crime scene.

Lat, a community leader, is accused of shooting Joan Nalayug during a scuffle in 2008 when the barangay official tried to stop a drinking session. 

Manila’s 7th most wanted man falls

A man tagged as Manila’s seventh most wanted fugitive was arrested yesterday morning. 

Ronald Clarit was apprehended in the vicinity of North Cemetery at around 11 a.m. by police officers who served him an arrest warrant for robbery issued by Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 89 Judge Madonna Echeverri. 

Clarit admitted during interrogation that he was involved in a series of robberies in Manila and Quezon City but was arrested and escaped last year.

Chief Inspector Rolando Armendez, who led the team that arrested Clarit, said the suspect would be turned over to the Quezon City court.