Lucena police nabbed Metro Manila’s most wanted criminal

LUCENA CITY – One of the most wanted criminals in Metro Manila finally fell into the hands of the law.

Resty Branzuela, alleged leader of the dreaded “Gaga Gang” operating in the National Capital Region, was arrested in a convenience store here around noon Wednesday, said the city police chief, Superintendent Allen Rae Co, on Thursday.

Branzuela, also known as “Gaga,” is notorious for robbery, car theft and kidnap-for-ransom operations, Co said.

Concerned citizens alerted the police about the presence of a suspicious person, later identified as Branzuela, inside the 7-11 branch in Barangay (village) Domoit in the outskirts of the city.

“He was just doing nothing inside the store since two in the morning. That aroused the suspicion of the people in the store,” Co said.

Branzuela did not resist arrest but tried to hide his identity to the arresting group by presenting a driver’s license with the name “Joseph Carbonel,” Co said.

Upon interrogation at the police station, Branzuela finally disclosed his true identity, claiming he feared for his life.

“He pleaded that we protect him. He feared that he was being followed,” Co said.

Upon verification with the authorities in Metro Manila, Branzuela was found to be number four in the wanted list of criminals in NCR and number three in the list of wanted kidnappers by the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group in Camp Crame.

Branzuela will be turned over to the police authorities in Quezon City, where his cases are pending in court.

Branzuela has been hiding since July 2013 after five of his alleged gang members were arrested for their involvement in two separate robbery incidents.

RELATED STORY

Police still hunting for ‘Gaga Robbery Group’ alleged leader, members