'Martilyo gang' member nabbed after cellphone shop heist in Pasig

Authorities arrested an alleged member of the “Martilyo Gang” in Taytay, Rizal, who robbed a cellphone shop in Pasig City.

According to Emil Sumangil’s exclusive report on “24 Oras” on Monday, the suspect and his accomplice pretended to buy cellphones, but when the seller was distracted, they broke into the glass stand using a hammer and took the cellphones.

A CCTV outside the establishment caught the face of the arrested suspect, who was the passenger of a motorcycle, and the vehicle's plate number.

The Pasig police caught the suspect and recovered the motorcycle during a follow-up operation.

The police said the suspect and his accomplice, who are facing charges, are not from Pasig City.

Some of the stolen cellphones were also recovered.

The suspect admitted to the crime. He said he just needed money for his pregnant wife.

He also asked the complainant to withdraw the case and that he regrets his actions, adding he is willing to return the stolen items.

Authorities are still searching for the other suspect.

In a separate operation, the Pasig Police arrested two men in Barangay Pinagbuhatan for allegedly selling firearms.

The police also recovered some handguns.

Upon verification, authorities found that the two suspects were involved in other crimes such as robbery, holdup, and gun for hire.

The two suspects have yet to comment on the matter. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA Integrated News