'Sako Gang' members slain in shootout

MANILA, Philippines - Two alleged members of a robbery group, known as “Sako (sack) Gang,” were killed in a shootout with policemen in Sta.Cruz, Manila early morning yesterday.

The group was allegedly responsible for a series of robbery holdups on passenger jeepneys, according to newly installed Sta. Cruz police station chief Superintendent James Afalla. “This group started as tricycle-riding snatchers who prey on students. Later on, after acquiring guns and knives, the members switched to robbing passenger jeepneys. They place their loot in a sack (the reason why they are called Sako Gang) and would ride on their companions’ tricycles for their escape,”Afalla said.

Upon assuming his new post, Afalla directed his men to intensify patrol operations on crime-prone areas especially in the wee hours of the morning when there is an unusual upsurge of holdup incidents.

At around 5:30 a.m. six patrolling policemen led by Inspector Eduardo Morata noticed a commotion on a Gasak-Recto bound passenger jeepney at the corner of Laguna and Tomas Mapua streets. When the cops approached for verification, three men fired at them while boarding a tricycle. The cops retaliated resulting to the death of Marvin Calayaban, 20, a Sputnik gang member, and Alfonso Jamison, 32, a Bahala na Gang member. The driver of the tricycle, Ronnie Rumbano, 26, surrendered. A caliber .38 revolver was recovered from Calayaban.

Last week, three alleged members of the “Sako Gang” were nabbed by the police after robbing 10 students taking up summer classes at the National University inside a passenger jeepney along Dimasalang street in Sampaloc.

Sampaloc police station chief Superintendent Ramon Pranada said Jose Foronda, 19; Arnold Corpuz, 25; and Joey Villegas, 22; were responsible for robbing students in the University Belt.

The suspects pointed to a certain “Odong” as their leader and keeper of the loot and weapons.

Afalla has tapped his intelligence operatives to find the lairs of the remaining suspects.