Active Batangas police officer arrested as alleged leader of ‘gapos gang’ in Bulacan
• A police officer from Batangas, Police Staff Sergeant Miguel Andrew Oñate, has been arrested as the alleged leader of a robbery group known as the "Gapos Gang"
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• He was identified through CCTV footage from a robbery at a soft drinks warehouse, where his face mask briefly slipped
• The gang's robberies were reportedly committed during Oñate's days off, and he allegedly rented a getaway vehicle from Laguna
• Authorities recovered a .45 caliber pistol, other weapons, and stolen items from the suspect. He reportedly confessed to his involvement in at least three heists
A shocking revelation has rocked the police force as an active-duty officer from Batangas was arrested and identified as the suspected mastermind of a notorious robbery group operating in Bulacan.
Source: UGC
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Police Staff Sergeant Miguel Andrew Oñate, a 34-year-old assigned to the Tanauan Police Station, was apprehended after being linked to two recent heists committed by a group known as the "Gapos Gang."
The group's name, which translates to "Bind Gang," stems from their modus operandi of tying up their victims during armed robberies.
According to a report by the Police Regional Office 3, the gang's criminal activities were planned to coincide with Oñate's days off from his official duties.
The investigation began after a closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of a robbery at a rice store in Bocaue, Bulacan went viral.
The video showed five armed, bonnet-wearing men entering the establishment, binding the people inside, and then stealing money and valuables.
A few days later, the same group attacked a soft drinks warehouse. It was during this second heist that a crucial piece of evidence emerged: the suspect's face mask briefly slipped, capturing a clear image of his face on camera.
Police investigators used the clear CCTV footage to identify the suspect. A subsequent manhunt led to the arrest of Oñate, who was positively identified by the victims of the rice store robbery.
During his arrest, authorities seized a .45 caliber pistol, ammunition, a fake gun, a bolt cutter, several mobile phones, a vehicle license plate, and coins believed to have been taken from the warehouse.
Police Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones, director of the Police Regional Office 3, confirmed that Oñate allegedly used his days off to lead the criminal group.
He further disclosed that the officer would rent a getaway vehicle from Laguna for their operations. Oñate, who has not yet issued a public statement, reportedly confessed to his involvement in at least three robberies with his gang.
The case has been met with public outrage, highlighting the issue of police integrity and accountability. The fact that a law enforcement officer, sworn to protect the public, is instead a leader of a criminal gang, is a deeply concerning development.
Oñate will face multiple criminal charges, including robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons and illegal possession of firearms.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has vowed to take swift action against the officer and assured the public that there will be no whitewashing of the case.
The incident is a painful reminder that the fight against crime must also include purging the ranks of those who betray public trust for their own criminal gain.
The police force is expected to continue its internal cleansing efforts to restore public confidence in law enforcement.
News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable stories that people could easily understand and relate in their lives.
In other news, San Mateo, Rizal Mayor Bartolome "Omie" Rivera, Jr. strongly opposes the transfer of waste from Manila to his town's sanitary landfill, citing a lack of consultation. The mayor expressed concern that the large volume of waste from Manila could quickly overwhelm the landfill's capacity, cause heavy traffic, and pose health risks to his constituents. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno defended the decision, stating his city had a "lack of material time" to find a new dumpsite after the Navotas landfill closed. The MMDA admitted to a "communication" issue but maintained that the transfer is within the landfill's legal capacity and was properly coordinated with other affected LGUs.
Still in other news, a 32-year-old man died after being punched by a friend during a drinking session in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya. Police said the two were drinking in Upper Baan when an argument broke out. The victim collapsed after being hit on the head and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. The suspect was arrested and is facing a h&micide charge but refused to give a statement.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
