6 'Bukas Kotse' gangmen nabbed

Six suspected members of the “Bukas Kotse” gang, including a 15-year-old accomplice, were arrested by operatives of the Special Task Group (STG) of the Manila Police District in Tondo the other day.

The suspects, who belong to the “Parungao Group,” were allegedly responsible for a series of heists on unattended parked vehicles in Manila and Quezon City, according to intelligence chief Superintendent Leo Francisco.

Deputy district director for operations Senior Superintendent Cipriano Querol identified the suspects as Carlito Parungao, 31, alias Carling Demonyo, the alleged leader of the group; Benny Bernardino, 40; Ramil Indelible, 32; Daniel Cunanan, 19; Reynaldo David, 48; and the 15-year-old boy.

A knapsack that contained a lockpick, a screwdriver, and other pointed objects reportedly used to open car doors was recovered from the suspects.

Prior to the arrest of the suspects, a close-circuit television (CCTV) camera installed at one of the buildings along Fugoso street in Sta. Cruz videotaped the group opening an unattended parked car, STG chief Senior Inspector Rene de Jesus said.

“From the CCTV footage we started to monitor the activities and whereabouts of the suspects, until we received a reliable (tip) that the gang will strike again along Mayhaligue street in Tondo,” De Jesus said.

Police officers led by SPO2 Josefino Marcelo caught the suspects in the act of forcing open a parked car. The 15-year-old boy first kicks the vehicle to determine if it is equipped with an alarm. Another member will break the car’s windows or force its doors open, while a third member takes the contents of the car.

The boy said he is usually given a P1,000 as his share of the loot, which consists of laptops, cash and valuables left inside the vehicle.

The gang has been on the wanted list of the Quezon City police for a series of heists on parked cars, according to Francisco.

Querol advised the public not to leave valuables inside parked cars as these give “motive, desire and opportunity” for thieves to strike.