Notorious Sputnik Gang member nabbed for illegal gun charges
A member of the notorious "Sputnik Gang" was collared by the police for illegal firing and possession of a firearm in Barangay Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City, Makati City Police OIC Col. Reycon Garduque said.
Garduque identified the suspect as alias John, 39, and a resident of Taguig City.
John is tagged as a repeat offender by the police for various crimes, including robbery in October 2013, motorcycle theft in September 2015, and multiple offenses under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and PD 1602 (Illegal Gambling) from 2018 to 2024 in Taguig, Makati, and Cavite.
He was also committed for more than four times at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) for other crimes.
Based on the police investigation, a concerned citizen reported the suspect indiscriminately firing his gun near bystanders, prompting the police to quickly respond to the scene and apprehend the suspect who admitted that he was trying to scare his enemy by firing his gun.
John surrendered his .9mm pistol loaded with live ammunition to the responding officers.
Garduque said the suspect will be facing charges for violating Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), Article 254 of the Revised Penal Code (Illegal Discharge of Firearm), and alarms and scandal.
“This arrest, following the timely call of a concerned citizen, prevented further danger to the community. The apprehension of a repeat offender and known gang member only reinforces our resolve to rid Makati of criminal elements and ensure a safe environment for our residents," the official said.