Batangas’ most wanted criminal nabbed in Cavite 

SAN PEDRO CITY – The most wanted criminal in Batangas province was arrested following a brief chase and gunfight in Cavite province, police said.

Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar, director of the Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon police, said on Sunday that the suspect, identified as Romnick Reyes, was arrested in General Trias City, Cavite at around 8 p.m. on Saturday.

The police had arrest warrants for Reyes for a series of homicide and robbery cases in Lemery, Batangas.

Batangas police chief Sr. Supt. Edwin Quilates, said in a phone interview that Reyes’ companion, who was recently arrested in Lemery, tipped authorities of the suspect’s activities and possible location.

Lemery and General Trias policemen located him in Barangay (village) Buenavista 3, but Reyes allegedly fired at the law enforcers, resulting in a brief chase.

Reyes was eventually cornered in a nearby village hall, Quilates said. He was shot in the abdomen and was taken to the General Trias Medical Center.

According to Quilates, Reyes was detained at the National Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City several years ago. After his release, he reportedly found his way to Lemery and got involved in illegal activities that targeted computer shops and local stores.

“He would take on contract killings; his lowest price at P40,000 for an ordinary individual (as target),” Quilates said, adding that the police also engaged Reyes in a firefight but he escaped “by jumping into a river.” /ee