Leader of notorious gang in Philippines escapes again

Manila: The leader of a notorious gang of armed robbers escaped again on Friday, police said.

Pedro Rodica was being transported in a police van to a Manila jail when eight men with rifles blocked the vehicle and allowed him to break free of his guards.

"I must say that this particular incident is unfortunate," said national police chief Avelino Razon.

Rodica was arrested earlier this week and paraded to the press on Thursday as a major accomplishment against organized crime. He first escaped in December while he was being taken to court.