Cops warn vs theft gang in Binondo

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila Police District (MPD) warned the public yesterday against a gang of thieves after they were caught on video stealing from a Chinese national in Binondo, Manila.

The incident was recorded by a closed-circuit television camera in the Keng Hua store along Nueva street.

Police identified Enrico Peña, the alleged gang leader, through the video footage. “We are positive that Peña’s gang was the culprit in the robbery when we saw him among the crowd in the video footage,” said Meisic police station chief Superintendent Nelson Yabut. Some P27,000 cash was taken from their latest victim, Yabut added.

He refused to divulge the victim’s name.

According to Yabut, Peña – dubbed by the police as the “Terror of 168 Mall” – was arrested last April for the alleged theft of a Gucci bag owned by Chinese national Wu Pingxue at the 168 Mall in Divisoria. The victim lost more than P88,000 and important documents. Peña posted P32,000 bail.

Yabut said Peña’s gang allegedly shifted to crowded stores after their members became “hot” with the 168 Mall’s security personnel

Yabut said the gang’s modus operandi is to enter the store in groups of six to 10. The gang members then distract their intended victim while Peña steals the victim’s valuables, he said.

Yabut said the gang prefers Chinese nationals as victims since they do not bother to report to the police.

He advised the public to immediately call for police assistance in case they see Peña and his gang. “I am also calling on the victims to file their complaints since these suspects, when arrested, will only be facing a lesser offense of vagrancy,” he said.