POLICE are urging people to be aware of criminals using minors to do dirty deeds, especially this coming holiday season when cases of robbery and other crimes against property are expected to increase.
Last Friday, a 14-year-old boy named “Jay” was placed under police custody after he and his companion Angelito Pacheco, 22, were caught for their alleged involvement in a robbery-holdup in Barangay CAA in Las Piñas City.
Southern Police District director Tomas Apolinario Jr. said first to be arrested was Pacheco who later pointed to Jay as his companion when they held up a male victim.
Recovered from Pacheco were sumpak, an improvised firearm, and one live ammunition while police found an icepick and the victim’s cellular phone in Jay’s possession.
“What kids can do nowadays?” said Apolinario, citing reports the suspects approached and pointed their deadly weapons at the victim who was walking along Aratelis Street around 5:45 a.m.
Because of fear, the victim gave his mobile gadget, Apolinario said.
The victim immediately sought assistance from the barangay and police headquarters nearby resulting in the arrest of the suspects.
Police urged the people to be aware of petty theft and robbery involving underage criminals as the Christmas season draws near.
The authorities said syndicates, especially those dealing in drugs and robbery, were taking advantage of juvenile laws by using children to carry out criminal acts.
Republic Act 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, stated that a child under 15 years old who commits an offense shall remain exempted from criminal liability.
Police also cautioned the people against members of Salisi Gang, Siksik Gang and Riles Gang in crowded areas this Yuletide.
They described Salisi Gang as gang members who lurk anywhere where there are people—malls, restaurants, fastfood joints, bus terminals, airports, seaports, and computer shops—and were “just waiting for you to get distracted.”
They either divert their victims’ attention or wait until their targets were distracted before they move in for the kill.
The Riles Gang, on the other hand, is a group of pickpockets posing as commuters of MRT-3, LRT (Light Rail Transit 1 and 2), and Philippine National Railways.
These gang members would squeeze in, operate in groups of four or five, shove or push a prospective victim to distract his or her, while their accomplice picks gadgets and wallets inside the trains and terminals.
Members of Siksik Gang lure bus passengers by pressing against the bodies of the victims while taking their important valuables such as gadgets and mobile phones, or point a blade at them.
The National Capital Region Police Office asked the ordinary citizens to help the government prevent criminals do their thing.
It also advised the public to report criminal incidents using their social media accounts such as Facebook and Twitter.