A manhunt operation is up against a group calling themselves “basag-kotse” gang who go around Dumaguete City victimizing vehicles by smashing windshields and carting away valuable items inside.
Dumaguete City OIC chief of police Sr. Insp. Eduardo Oira reported to Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria on Thursday about the identities of the suspects who were involved in the car smashing incident at Hibbard Avenue and Locsin Street and that manhunt operation is in progress for their arrest.
Oira refused to make public the names of target personalities in order not to hamper ongoing operation.
He said the “basag kotse” gang had criminal records at the police station as youthful offenders but could not be charged and prosecuted in court because of the juvenile delinquency act under RA 9344 that protects them.
Oira said this group had transformed from minors involved in petty crimes into the so-called “basag kotse” gang for personal gain.
The OIC chief of police cushioned car owners not to leave valuable items such as laptops inside their vehicles, especially when parked along the roads during downpours in the wee hours of the morning.
Such opportunity will always be taken advantage of by thieves who are just lurking in the neighborhood waiting for the opportune time to strike, said Oira.
At least seven motorists, to include Dumaguete City Prosecutor Ely Escoreal, have fallen victims to the “basag kotse” gang. (PNA/Juancho Gallarde)