Sputnik robbery gang leader arrested

MANILA, Philippines – The alleged leader of the Sputnik gang, whose members have reportedly been robbing jeepney passengers and terrorizing the Dagat-Dagatan and Maypajo areas, was arrested by the police in Caloocan City yesterday.

Senior Superintendent Jude Wilson Santos, city police chief, identified the arrested suspects as alleged leader Edgardo Martin alias “Dayday,” 39, construction worker, and alias “JR,” 17, both of Dagat-Dagatan.

Martin was charged before the City Prosecutor’s Office for allegedly robbing Jonathan Villaruel Friday night along with another suspect, Sonny Boy Henani, who eluded arrest.

At the time he was arrested, police said JR was half-naked and had an improvised handgun tucked into his waistband. He could not present any license for the gun.

Police said Remigio Macaranas alleged that JR and a companion beat him before taking his P7,500 and two cell phones. JR was charged with robbery with physical injury and illegal possession of a firearm.

Chief Inspector Cresencio Galvez, Caloocan police intelligence chief, told The STAR the suspects are emboldened by the juvenile protection law, which provides that children in conflict with the law (CICL) should be taken for rehabilitation or sent back to their parents.

“As this happens, they only end up back in the streets, ready to kill or maim their victims into submission,” Galvez said, adding that he hopes legislators would amend the law to address teen recidivists.

He said the Sputnik gang’s teen members live off robbing people on a daily basis.