Vhon Tanto tried to flee to southern PHL, Manila cops say

Army reservist Vhon Martin Tanto tried to flee to the southern part of the country to evade arrest for the fatal road rage incident in Quiapo on Monday night, police said on Friday.

"There was an indication that he intended to go to the southern part of the Philippines by land, avoiding major terminals, seaports and other means of transportation," Manila Police District director Senior Supt. Joel Coronel said in a press conference. 

Tanto was nabbed inside his residence in Barangay Poblacion East in Milagros, Masbate shortly before lunch on Friday, ending a three-day manhunt launched by the MPD following the killing of biker Mark Vincent Garalde and the wounding of female bystander.

Prior to his arrest, Tanto traveled to Nueva Vizcaya where he abandoned the car used during the incident.

He returned to Manila on Wednesday, the same day the ultimatum given by the MPD for his voluntary surrender expired.

Coronel said Tanto was also seen in Cavite and Batangas on Thursday.

Tanto may be brought to the MPD headquarters either Friday night or Saturday morning.

"If we can have an available flight (in Legazpi City), the suspect can be brought in tonight," Coronel said.

The police official also assured Tanto's security.

"In the interest of justice, both to the victims and the suspect himself who is ofcourse presumed innocent until proven guilty, we are assure you that no harm will come to him. You have my personal guarantee on that," Coronel said.

Murder and frustrated murder charges are already being prepared by the MPD against Tanto, who will be subjected to inquest proceedings at the Manila City Prosecutor's Office. 

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan earlier offered a combined P200,000 bounty for information that could lead to Tanto's arrest. 

Coronel said the cash reward will go to the civilian informant who tipped off law enforcement personnel about Tanto's location.  —Virgil Lopez/NB, GMA News