Cops bust Divisoria gang using minors in thefts

MANILA, Philippines - Police arrested yesterday the alleged leaders of a gang that employs minors to prey on shoppers in Divisoria, Manila.

This developed as police doubled its patrols in the area following an upsurge in robberies and thefts reported by shoppers.

Marissa Ybañez, 39; and Esperanza Aguilar, 36, were identified by a 15-year-old boy as the leaders of their group. The boy was arrested by the police yesterday morning after stealing the earrings of one of the shoppers, according to Meisic police station chief Superintendent Nelson Yabut.

The boy admitted having stolen at least three pairs of earrings from shoppers in a single day, and the loot surrendered to either of the two leaders. “I was only given at least P100, depending on the value of the loot,” the boy told reporters in Filipino.

The alleged leaders, both vendors, denied the boy’s allegation and said they are only implicated since their sons are friends of the boy. 

The gang reportedly employs street children who do the stealing, and these minors are protected by armed men who stand up to anybody who will chase the youngsters, Yabut said.

“As much as possible hold on to your valuables while shopping and be wary of persons, especially street children, sneaking behind you,” he said.

The boy said some of his colleagues usually strike while high on the fumes of contact cement.  – Nestor Etolle