CEBU - Five minors, who are reportedly members of a known street gang, were arrested after they allegedly robbed a taxi driver past midnight yesterday at Villa Leyson Subdivision, barangay Bacayan, Cebu City.
Four of the boys, aged 12, 13, 15 and 17, who are allegedly members of “Bloods” gang, were later released while the other one, aged 16, remained in detention after a robbery case was filed against him. The suspect’s companions denied any involvement in the robbery and pointed at him as the only one who carried the heist.
Rafael Cabaluna, 33, resident of barangay Tisa told police that the minors flagged his taxi near a bridge along Escario Street at around 1:30 a.m. and told him to bring them to Villa Leyson Subdivision but upon reaching the said place, the 16-year-old suspect, who was seated at the back poked a knife at the victim’s neck and declared the hold up.
Cabaluna quoted the suspect as saying: “Ayaw na lang ug lihok Noy, hold-up ni. Ambi imong pitaka ug cell phone.”
Because of fear, the victim said he immediately handed him over his P2,100 cash and cell phone to the robber.
After the incident, Cabaluna said he drove outside the subdivision and sought help from a fellow taxi driver. Fortunately, they spotted five barangay tanods of Bacayan who were conducting roving in the area.
The barangay tanods immediately conducted a hot pursuit operation and arrested the five boys and turned them over to Talamban Police Station.
However, SPO1 Rolando Amor said that during interrogation, four of the boys claimed they did not serve as back-up and did not even have knowledge of the suspect’s plan to rob the taxi driver.
Prior the incident, the four boys claimed that they planned to ride a public utility jeepney on their way home but the suspect insisted they ride a taxi cab, saying he would shoulder the fare.
Amor said they also learned during investigation that the five minors are members of Bloods gang. They allegedly came from a birthday party in Escario where the suspect resides.
Robbery charged was filed against the 16-year-old suspect yesterday at the Cebu City Prosecutor’s office while the four other minors will undergo a diversion program by the police. – Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/WAB (THE FREEMAN)