Budol caught on CCTV, suspects nabbed

‘Budol-budol’ suspects, who pretended to be police officers, were arrested after they were seen by barangay officials on CCTV with two minors in an alleys in Barangay Quirino 3A, Quezon City, Oscar Oida reported on “24 Oras” on Wednesday.

The victims said they were on their way home from school when a man approached them around 12 noon yesterday.

“Sinabihan niya po kami na pwede ba namin siyang tulungan na hanapin yung nambugbog sa mga pamangkin nila,” one of the victims said.

(He asked us if we could help him find the one who beat up his nephews.)

After a few minutes, the victims were surprised that the suspect began to accuse them of beating their nephew.

The victims were then instructed by the suspect go with him in order to prove their innocence.

Out of fear, the two minors followed the suspect.

“Papakita daw po nila sa amin na mga picture o video. Tapos po habang pinalakad po nila kami at nakarating na po kami sa Quirino 3A sa may tulay,” he added.

(They said he will show us pictures or video. Then they made us walk through Quirino 3A by the bridge.)

While in the alley, the suspect was joined by two other men who also introduced themselves as police officers and tried to get their mobile phones.

“Sinasabi na kukunin ang cellphone namin para piktyuran daw po ang kasama namin,” one victim said.

(They said that they will get our cellphones to take pictures of our companions.)

Fortunately, personnel from the barangay arrived and arrested the suspects.

“Namataan agad sila nagkukumpulan at mayroon kakaibang galaw which is very familiar na kami kasi madalas talaga ang lugar ito na maraming nabubudol,” said Barangay Quirino 3A Captain Bimbo Dela Cruz.

(The group caught our attention as well as their strange movements that we are very familiar with because this is often the place where many fall victim to the modus operandi of budol members.)

“Usually, ang talagang modus ng mga yan is yung mga minor, senior or yung mga mukhang mga hindi taga-rito or baguhan sa isang lugar,” he added.

(Usually, their targets are minors, seniors or those who look like they are not from here or are new to this place.)

Dela Cruz then advised the public to be vigilant against such modus operandi.

“Dapat po maging alisto tayo. Huwag makipag-usap sa hindi kilala. Kahit tawagin ka pa sa daan, huwag pansinin at dire-diretso lang at pumunta sa maraming tao,” he said.

(We should be alert. Don't talk to strangers. Even if someone approached you, ignore it and just go straight and go to a crowded area.)

The suspects, meanwhile, declined to give a comment on the matter.

They are now in the custody of QC Police District Station 9 and will face charges of robbery.  -- Mel Matthew Doctor/BAP, GMA News