Fugitive ex-politician caught in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines — A former town vice mayor in Lanao del Sur wanted for a criminal offense was arrested in Quezon City on Wednesday.

Policemen from the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) apprehended Jeremy Guiab, 49, in Barangay Loyola Heights at around 9:30 a.m.

AKG director Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said Guiab was served a warrant of arrest for reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property issued on May 7, 2019 by Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 42 Judge Marcelino Gonzales II, who set bail at P20,000.

The operation stemmed from a complaint by Guiab’s victim, who told police he eluded arrest for eight months.

“He was able to go abroad despite an arrest warrant,” said a police source, who refused to name the complainant.

Records show Guiab was vice mayor of Wao from 1997 to 2000 and a councilor from 2010 to 2013. The source said the suspect is now involved with the entertainment industry.

One of Guiab’s friends, actor John Lloyd Cruz, visited him at the AKG head office at Camp Crame on Wednesday night.

In September 2010, Guiab was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport after 13 sticks of dried marijuana leaves were found in his pants pocket.

He told police he had been using marijuana for 15 years to relieve the itch caused by psoriasis, a skin condition.