Four Estribo gang members fall

Four suspected members of the dreaded Estribo Gang, allegedly responsible for a series of holdup incidents on passenger jeepneys passing through Taft Avenue, were arrested by undercover policemen Tuesday night after a brief chase.

Western Police District’s Theft and Robbery section commander Chief Inspector Benjamin Reyes identified the suspects as Richie de la Cruz, 24, the leader of the group; Rafael Laranang, 20; Almario Guibert, 24; and Benjo Gonzales, 25, all of Quiapo, Manila. The suspects had been charged with robbery in the past and are members of the Sigue-Sigue Sputnik Gang, according to Reyes.

Following the rise of robbery- holdup incidents in the Ermita area, Reyes said he has deployed undercover policemen along Katigbak Drive and Taft Avenue. "These two places are the usual areas of operation of the Estribo Gang members who victimize students and media workers," Reyes said.

"We have complainants who were stabbed when they refused to part with their belongings," Reyes said.

The police deployment finally paid off when undercover operatives spotted a commotion inside a passenger jeepney on Taft Avenue. Four men suddenly jumped off the vehicle and crossed the other side of the street, prompting the lawmen to chase the group.

The suspects were no match to the cops who immediately arrested them.