Head of motorcycle theft gang, 2 followers nabbed in Digos

DIGOS CITY, Philippines—Provincial police Philippine National Police’s authorities said they might have dismantled a criminal gang involved in motorcycle theft following the arrest on Friday of the suspected leader and two of his men.

Chief Inspector Arvin Avelino, provincial director of the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group,  said Bare Sultan, 20, a resident of Luna-Katipunan Streets here and the suspected gang leader; his members Romeo Marimon Jr., 18, of Southern Paligue, Padada, Davao del Sur; and Chinoroi Olmido, 17, of Luna Extension here  were collared during a pursuit operation around 6 a.m.

Sultan yielded a .38-caliber revolver.

Avelino said the manhunt was launched after the police received information about the theft of a motorcycle.

“The suspects were arrested during the pursuit operation along First Crumb Street,” he said.

Avelino said the suspects were now under police custody and charges of theft and illegal possession of firearms were being readied against them.

He said another group could be involved in the theft of yet another motorcycle, this time in Barangay Tres de Mayo, on Friday.

“Authorities believe that several organized crime groups operate in the province and their identities were still being ascertained,” Avelino said.

Davao del Sur Governor Claude Bautista has vowed to combat criminal gangs. During his first day in office as provincial chief executive, Bautista said he would make the “world small for criminals and would not care even if they get killed.”