The drive against robbery gangs was precipitated by numerous complaints by residents and commuters of rampant holdup incidents, especially at night along Road 10 in Moriones, according to Tondo police station chief Superintendent Frumento Villareal.
To solve the problem, Villareal directed the Don Bosco and Smokey Mountain police community precinct commanders to patrol their areas of responsibility, especially during rush hours and at night.
A community police assistance center was also established in Katuparan and Herbosa streets along Road 10, which is being manned by two uniformed police personnel per shift.
A follow-up unit was also activated to conduct manhunt operation against lawless elements for the immediate resolution of cases filed by complainants.
Since its activation, the unit was able to neutralize the dreaded robbery gangs in Tondo such as the Voltes Five Gang, Stop Light Gang and the Bebe Negro group. In addition, some 30 individuals, mostly out-of school-youths, who were positively identified by their victims, were arrested and charged in courts.
The Tondo police also tapped the assistance of the barangay tanods who served as police informers in the suspects’ lair.
Villareal said his men broke up the illegal assembly of youths, especially at night. "These youths usually resort to robbery in the absence of worthwhile activities. So everytime we spot groupings, we round them up and check on their personal records," Villareal explained.