5 nabbed for robbing, molesting jeepney passengers

MANILA, Philippines - Five men who allegedly rob and molest female jeepney passengers were arrested along EDSA, Pasay City before dawn yesterday.

The five, allegedly belonging to “Pikit Gang,” were identified as Manolette Viernes, 24; Rolando Magbintang, 27; Jekly Bacud, 32; Luis Ferrer, 32; and Ramil Otaso, 19.

They were called the Pikit Gang because they would force female jeepney passengers to close their eyes so they could molest them during the robbery, police said.

Chief Inspector Joey Goforth, who heads the city police investigation unit, said the suspects were arrested by police officers on patrol when a commotion ensued after they molested the female passengers while looting their bags.

Seized from them were various types of knives and cellular phones and wallets stolen from the passengers.