Gang members linked to robberies fall

FOUR members of a youth gang were arrested after they were linked to several robberies in Cebu City.

First to fall was Edmund Flores, 22, who was arrested in barangay Guinacot, Danao City, northern Cebu, last Tuesday night.

Three other suspects, John Ryle Yani, 18; a 14-year-old boy; and a 17-year-old boy were later arrested in barangay Looc when Flores squealed on their whereabouts, said police.

Police said two other cohorts, Adriano Batiquin and Jonesto Caraat, remain at large.

The arrested persons denied any wrongdoing.

Police said the four persons were members of the Bloods gang.

Police said Flores was identified by four complainants who were robbed separately in Cebu City.

The group has pending cases and was also responsible in the series of robberies of  delivery trucks in northern  Cebu, said Senior Supt. Ramon Melvin Buenafe, chief of the Cebu City police.

Buenafe said the group would rent a habal-habal (motorcycle for hire) that they will use in  robbery.

Police said robbery-in-band charges will be filed against the suspects.

Handguns, cell phones, bonnet and a full-faced helmet were recovered from the suspects, said police.

Couple  Maria Cristita, 44, and Edwin Mangas, 44, went to the police station after their motorcycle that was rented by the group was seized by the police.

The couple said they didn’t know that the motorcycle was used for illegal activities./CORRESPONDENT RHEA RUTH V. ROSELL WITH CORRESPONDENT CHITO O. ARAGON