MANILA — Authorities arrested a fugitive gang leader in Tondo who is wanted for the murder of a pedestrian some 18 years ago.
In a press conference Tuesday, the National Bureau of Investigation presented Christopher “Topeng” Mariano, who was apprehended by operatives in coordination with the Manila Police District Tactical Operation Center at the Barrio Obrero Youth Athletic Association basketball court last September 27.
Mariano is a former leader of the Tondo-based True Brown Style gang, which gained notoriety for mimicking the style of ISIS terrorists in shooting their victims and then slashing the throats of their dying victims, who were mostly unwary pedestrians who crossed their turf at night.
The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 34 issued an arrest warrant against Mariano for the Nov. 17, 2005 murder of victim, Noel C. Villagracia.
Mariano had gone into hiding shortly after the incident but later resurfaced in Barrio Obrero reportedly under the protection of barangay officials and his fellow gang members. (Benjamin Pulta/PNA)
