1 of 4 holdup gang members falls in Pasig

MANILA, Philippines–A teenager believed to be a member of a so-called “tutok-kalawit” holdup gang in Pasig City was arrested Wednesday afternoon, shortly after he and three other suspects robbed a commuter on Ortigas Avenue.

The Pasig police said Cyper Cruz was positively identified by the victim, Al Abergido, 27, as the one who took his cell phone, wrist watch and cash while he was waiting for a jeepney ride on Ortigas around 2:30 p.m.

Three hours later, after Abergido reported the incident to the police, Cruz was tracked down in his neighborhood on GSIS Road, Barangay (village) Rosario, with the help of a tipster.

Based on police records, such incidents are reported in the Ortigas area about twice every week, wherein a group of men would slowly corner their target.

One scenario would have a gang member first approaching the victim and pretending to be a friend by casually placing an arm over his or her shoulder as they walk. The others would then move in brandishing knives and announcing the holdup.

Cruz remained in detention Thursday to face charges of robbery with violence and intimidation, according to PO3 Al Alvarez.–Vanessa B. Hidalgo