‘Beware of Chess Gang’

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando warned the public yesterday against robbers, who lure their victims into watching a game of chess at street corners before taking their belongings.

Fernando issued the advisory following the arrest of two suspected members of the so-called "Chess Gang" in Cubao, Quezon City last Monday. They were identified as Ferdinand Sevillano and Gil Flores, who are now in jail facing robbery charges.

The MMDA chief said Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group (SCOG) personnel collared the duo after they victimized a man who only wanted to watch a game of chess.

Raymond Basele was passing Monte de Piedad street near EDSA in Cubao when he saw two men engaged in a chess match.

Since he had time to spare, Basele paused to observe the match, only to find out that he had been set up as robbery victim.

The two chess "players" announced a holdup then took his cell phone and wallet before fleeing.

The victim’s shout for help caught the attention of SCOG personnel and the unit’s backup unit that was composed of military men.

SCOG chief Roberto Esquivel said the MMDA team was with Army T/Sgt. Samuel Villagas, T/Sgt. Alberto Lamorena; Sgt. Junifer Neron and Pfc. Ferdinand Mariano.

They collared the suspects and recovered Basale’s belongings then turned over the duo to the nearest police station.