Cops nail ‘Martilyo Gang’ leader in Ozamiz City

The suspected leader of the notorious Martilyo Gang, which has been linked to violent robberies, was arrested in Ozamiz City, police said Friday.

Glenn Tayros, 42, was handcuffed and presented at a press conference Friday, according to GMA Northern Mindanao.

A photo by GMA Northern Mindanao's Joane Tabique-Abesamis posted on the Facebook account of "24 Oras Northern Mindanao" showed Tayros guarded by police personnel during the press conference.

"He is allegedly the leader of 'Martilyo Gang' operating nationwide. The suspect is in the list as National Most Wanted Person of (the Department of Interior and Local Government)," it said.

The Martilyo Gang, so named because members smash jewelry cases with hammers and then escape in the confusion, is linked to robberies in malls in Metro Manila.

A separate report on Gold Star Daily News said the gang has been linked to at least three heists in Cagayan de Oro City.

It said Tayros was arrested by virtue of a warrant for robbery issued by Judge Vincent Rosales of the Cagayan de Oro Regional Trial Court. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News