Mindanao robbery gang heading to Manila, say police

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police (PNP) warned the public about a suspected armed organized crime group from Mindanao believed to be coming to Metro Manila.

Senior Superintendent Dionardo Carlos, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) spokesman, said intelligence reports have been received about the Alferez group from Zamboanga “that could possibly conduct robbery here in Metro Manila.”

NCRPO Regional Director Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina has issued a directive to all district directors to be on alert against the group, Carlos said.

Police detectives were ordered to gather information about the group’s whereabouts to determine if they were already in Metro Manila, Carlos added.

“The reason why this was announced is for the public to be aware of any suspicious groups they see and to immediately report it to police … to prevent criminal activities,” Carlos said.

“We are one with the public in [being on the lookout] … we assure them that all information provided to the police will immediately be acted upon,” he said.

Carlos also warned the public against fake policemen. He said that all members of the police force are now wearing their uniforms instead of the patrol shirts because those can be easily obtained by anyone and could be used by criminals.

When asked why the police was announcing this to the public which was uncommon, Carlos replied that the assessment of Espina was that the participation of the public in giving information for police will help them in apprehending the group.

“Without the public or stakeholders, it would be much harder for us [to get the group]. What is important is the partnership with the police,” Carlos said.

The PNP has also begun coordinating with security managers of malls, banks, and other establishments so as to increase security awareness against the groups, he added.