Gangs in Carreta agree to truce

CEBU, Philippines – Members of the Bloods and Crips gangs in Carreta yesterday agreed to a truce during a dialogue called for by the Cebu City police and officials of barangay Carreta.

PO3 Fe Altobar of the Investigation and Detective Management Branch and Carreta officials led by barangay captain Eduardo Lauron arranged the meeting yesterday between 20 members of both gangs, most of them minors.

The police and barangay officials admitted that gang wars are getting to be a serious problem in the barangay

Around 11 a.m. yesterday, the self-proclaimed leader of the Bloods, Raffy Obiña, 21, and Harvy Tolero, 20, who claimed to lead the Crips, signed a memorandum of understanding to avoid any form of violence that will compromise the peace and order situation of the barangay.

The memorandum also ordered both groups to patch up whatever previous grudges they have.

Both groups also agreed to take to the barangay hall for settlement whatever disagreement they have so any potential bloodshed will be avoided.

Both gangs claimed gang violence happening in Carreta was the handiwork of gang members from other barangays.

The respective parents of the attending gang members were present during yesterday’s dialogue and were told about their roles as guardians to their children. The children were also told to heed to their parents’ advice.

Altobar said that the law enforcement agencies will be forced to enforce the law if they will not follow to the memorandum signed yesterday.

Cebu City Police Office chief Patrocinio Comendador said that the dialogue yesterday is part of their efforts in solving the peace and order problem in the city. – Niña G. Sumacot/BRP (THE FREEMAN)