Street gang leader shot dead by rival

Infuriated that his group was being accused of a spate of hold-up incidents in Navotas and Caloocan City, the leader of a notorious hold-up gang shot dead his rival group’s 16-year-old head Sunday night.

Police identified the suspect as Danilo Villanueva alias "Danny Toyo," described to be between 45-48 years old, of Sawata Compound, Dagat-Dagatan, Caloocan. Villanueva remains at large. Victim Anthony Castro, also of Sawata Compound, died from two bullet wounds in the abdomen.

Police records showed that the incident happened at around 9:45 p.m. in Kaunlaran Village, Navotas.

Witness Jonalyn Sederia, the victim’s girlfriend, told police that Villanueva suddenly approached and confronted them, telling Castro to stop his group from carrying out their criminal activities in Sawata because his own gang was being blamed for the hold-up incidents.

Sederia said a heated argument between the two gang leaders ensued after which Villanueva pulled out a handgun and shot Castro twice in the stomach. The suspect then casually walked away, she alleged. Castro was rushed to the Tondo Medical Center but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Senior Police Officer 1 Milo Tengson of the Navotas police station said that Castro’s and Villanueva’s groups are notorious hold-up gangs in Navotas. Tengson added that Villanueva’s group is allegedly responsible for several carnapping incidents as well as stealing motorcycles in the town.

Several hold-up cases were filed against the two groups, Tengson said, but victims refused to press charges against the suspects after recovering the stolen items. — Nikko Dizon and Jerry Botial