NBI busts Salisi Snake Gang

MANILA, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said yesterday it busted the “Salisi Snake Gang” with the arrest of three of its members, who break into condominium units in Pasig City and leave a playing card with a snake symbol on the back at the crime scene.

In a statement, NBI Director Nestor Mantaring identified Ryan Francisco; his cousin, James Bryan Francisco; and Eric Reverente as members of the gang.

According to a report of the NBI Special Task Force (STF), headed by Head Agent Arnel Dalumpines, Myra Cristina Francisco filed a complaint with the NBI last March 4 for alleged robbery and trespass against unidentified persons.

The complainant is not related to any of the suspects.

Myra said robbers broke the doorknobs of her unit at the Corinthian Executive Regency on Ortigas Avenue and took her personal belongings, among them a Sony Vaio laptop worth P80,000, jewelry and other valuables.

A review of the building’s closed circuit television (CCTV) showed what Myra identified as her laptop bag being carried by a man in a brown polo shirt and jeans.

On April 15, security personnel accosted Ryan for acting suspiciously inside the condominium building. He resembled the man in the CCTV carrying the laptop bag.

The security personnel called the NBI for assistance. During interrogation, Ryan admitted stealing the laptop. He even pointed to his accomplices waiting in a maroon Tamaraw FX (UGA-719) in front of the building.

The NBI agents arrested James and Reverente, and seized a four-foot albino python that allegedly belongs to the gang’s mastermind, who goes by the street name of “Snake.”

The NBI found that after every robbery, gang members would leave a playing card with a snake symbol that serves as the gang’s signature.

The NBI turned over the python yesterday to the Philippine Animal Welfare Bureau (PAWB) in Quezon City.

Appropriate criminal charges were filed before the Pasig City Prosecutor’s Office.

The NBI is calling on all victims of the gang to come to the NBI headquarters on Taft Avenue in Manila to file their complaints.

Security officers of three condominium buildings in Greenhills, San Juan and Pasig City said unit owners who have been victimized intend to file complaints.