Gang in robbery at BOC exec’s house linked to jewelry store heist
MANILA, Philippines – A gang previously tagged in the robbery at a house of a Bureau of Customs official has been linked to the heist at a jewelry shop in Cubao, Quezon City last week.
At least four members of the “Gaga” group, involved in robbery, carjacking and kidnapping activities, have been identified in the robbery at the First Allied Emporium Jewelry store at Farmers Plaza on Tuesday.
The alleged leader of the gang, Ephraim John Evangelista, was also tagged in the daring daylight heist during which around P2 million in jewelry was lost.
A source privy to the investigation said Evangelista was identified by a witness as one of the five robbers who struck at the jewelry store, moments after it opened for business at around 9:45 a.m. Tuesday.
The First Allied Emporium Jewelry store is found outside the mall entrance along General Araneta Avenue, near the Araneta Coliseum.
Police investigation showed that three men barged into the store and at gunpoint, announced the heist.
Two of the suspects used their guns in smashing the glass display before running off to their two waiting cohorts aboard two motorcycles.
Security guards fired at the fleeing robbers but missed, although a patrolling policeman, Police Officer 1 Leo Damo, managed to fire a shot and hit of the suspects.
In July last year, five members of the “Gaga” gang were arrested for an April heist at the house of BOC official and lawyer Julito Doria, during which P1.4 million in cash and valuables including a Shih Tzu dog, was lost.
Evangelista was among those collared for the previous incident and was charged with robbery although he managed to post bail.
Aside from Evangelista, gang members Edcen Ong, Edwin Gamali and Michael De Guzman were tagged in Tuesday’s heist at the jewelry store.
Case files from the Quezon City Police District showed that De Guzman was identified by employees and security guards through the police rogues gallery as the one who barged into the store.
Evangelista, Ong and Gamali were tagged by witnesses as the lookout and waiting cohorts.
Cartographers also made a computerized composite sketch of one of the suspects, which turned out to be Evangelista.
Police are preparing a robbery case against the suspects before the Quezon City prosecutors’ office.
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