Suspected street gang leader arrested in Tondo

MANILA, Philippines - A teenager suspected of leading a street gang and of killing a fellow teenager more than a year ago was arrested recently when he returned to the scene of the crime.

The arrest of Patrick Serrano, 18, reportedly the leader of the True Brown Style (TBS) street gang, was covered by an arrest warrant issued by Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 5 Judge Amor Reyes, according to Chief Inspector Mario Magno, who heads the Manila Police District warrant and subpoena section.

Serrano allegedly shot dead Narciso Caballeda, 18, on Jan. 9, 2009 along Peñalosa street in Tondo. Serrano reportedly went into hiding after committing the crime.

After more than a year, Caballeda’s relatives spotted Serrano when he returned to his house on Concha Sevilla street in Tondo, prompting them to secure a warrant of arrest.

Magno tasked SPO2 Virgo Villareal, PO3 Edmar de Jesus and PO2 Arnel Lozano to stake out the area and arrest Serrano.

“The arrest of this notorious suspect was timely since he is reportedly targeting other students perceived by him as enemies of his gang,” Magno said.