Arrested members of the Batac robbery group. (Photo from QCPD)
Members of the “Batac robbery group” which have gained notoriety in Metro Manila and in nearby provinces with their style of robbing cars by smashing windows, have been arrested by joint elements of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) and the Marikina City Police Station on Monday night.
In a press conference on Tuesday morning, QCPD Director Chief Supt. Joselito Esquivel and National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar presented the suspects, identified as Julius Batac, 25 years old, the alleged group leader and gang members Elvin Duanan, 33; Rodelio Sibug, 52; Rosana Mae Maramias, 20; Eugenia Argawanon, 34; and Harlan Requilman, 35.
Esquivel said the suspects were arrested in their hideout at E. Cubarubias Street, Barangay Tañong, Marikina City, following a tip from an informant.
The arrest of the suspects followed an incident along Katipunan Avenue on Sunday, where a member of the “Batac basag salamin” tried to smash the window of a car belonging to Barangay Milagrosa Executive Officer Benson Paras.
Police said Paras, who saw the incident, managed to get hold of the suspect. However, other members of the gang appeared and demanded Paras release the suspect at gunpoint.
The suspects at gunpoint, also divested Paras of his cellphone worth P10,000, and cash amounting to P2,000 .
Following the group’s arrest, Paras positively identified Duanan and Requilman as the suspects who smashed his car’s window and took his valuables.
Police officers recovered possible stolen items such as identification cards, laptops, bags, wallets, wrist watches, and helmets from the arrested suspects.
Also seized from the suspects were .22 caliber revolver with four rounds, one sachet of shabu, two Yamaha Mio motorcycles, and one red Euro motorcycle.
Esquivel said that the suspects will be charged with robbery before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
He also called on other victims of the robbery group to come to QCPD’s headquarters at Camp Karingal, to file additional complaints against the suspects. /muf With reports from Kristine Macasiray/INQUIRER.net intern