Holiday revelers warned vs 'salisi' gang

CEBU, Philippines – The Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) has warned the public of the operations of "salisi gang" which will likely become bolder as the holiday season nears.

"Holiday season na, mga busy shoppers ni ilang mga target, maong usa sa atong mga likayan ang mabiktima sa salisi gang. Daghan na ra ba ni sila," said Supt. Julian Entoma of MCPO.

Entoma said that while it is easy to spot salisi gang members, especially if they are caught on closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV), the offense, if they are apprehended, is bailable.

He said the group they arrested early this month was able to post bail and could possibly be victimizing others, so he warned the public: "Mag-ingat ani'ng grupoha."

He said most of the culprits loiter in areas like restaurants or where there are people who could be bringing cash and valuables with them.

He said they usually come with accomplices who help them with the crime, and in some cases, they pose as moneyed individuals to avoid detection. This as the public's common perception of criminals are those who wear ragged clothes.

He said the latest group they arrested even used a sports utility vehicle which it rented.

Entoma said the salisi gang is one of the reasons why the city's crime rates have increased over the past months. (FREEMAN)