Martilyo Gang Robbery in SM Megamall

As of 7:40PM tonight, members of "Martilyo Gang" were involved in a robbery inside SM Megamall.

According to the Mandaluyong Police, shots were fired which resulted in chaos and stampede, allowing the suspects to escape towards Julia Vargas area.

The style of Martilyo gang is to use a hammer to break the glass encasement their target establishments, particularly jewelry shops. They would then use the people as their cover to get away from the scene. They usually fire their guns to create commotion and chaos, making their escape much easier.

Interestingly, a 150-day gun ban is in effect, ending in June 12.

November last year, they were also involved in a jewelry store robbery in Dagupan using this similar tactic. Using a hammer, they attacked the jewelry store on a Saturday morning. The seven suspects fired shots at the police upon their escape using motorcycles.

In 2011, five members of the group were arrested inside their hideout in Maharlika Village in Taguig. The arrest was made a few days after they robbed two jewelry shops in Sta Cruz. Here's the interesting part: one of the five nabbed suspects was a security guard, stationed at National Food Authority in Taguig City.

Robberies such as this, happening inside a mall, is a wake-up call for the management and the police. The public safety should be seriously considered. The security guards are examining the bags and inspects the wave of people going inside their malls, how can they explain why the robbers were able to bring in guns in the first place?

Meanwhile, always be on alert when in a public place. Even though armed robberies are rare, petty theft and holdups are much more common. If you see anything suspicious, don't hesitate to report it to the nearest security guard/police. Be on guard, especially during paydays, when criminals are most likely to rob.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/53630/lockdown-at-megamall-after-shots-fired-mmda-reports-robbery-at-department-store

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/metro/14971-martilyo-gang-members-nailed

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/11/10/12/dagupan-pawnshop-robbed-martilyo-gang