Gangs are a worldwide phenomenon that many countries have been trying to eradicate for years. The Philippines is not immune to this problem, and gang violence has been prevalent in the country for decades. One of the most infamous gangs in the Philippines is Kuratong Baleleng. This article will explore the history, tactics, and repercussions of Kuratong Baleleng, one of the most feared gangs in the Philippines.
Kuratong Baleleng was formed back in 1982 by a group of young men from the northern provinces of the Philippines. The gang originally started as a vigilante group aiming to fight against communist insurgents in the country. However, they rapidly transformed into a powerful criminal organization that terrorized the country for more than a decade.
The name “Kuratong Baleleng” derives from the local language meaning “rat’s tail”. The gang got its name from the unique characteristic of its members to wear ponytails. However, the group is best known for its brutal tactics, including kidnapping, extortion, and murder. They primarily targeted wealthy businesspeople and politicians who benefited from the country’s corrupt system.
Kuratong Baleleng’s success was due to the group’s connections to the police force and other people in high places. This enabled the gang to operate with impunity and surpass the authorities’ power. However, the gang’s luck ran out on May 15, 1995, when a botched police operation led to ten members’ massacre.
After that, the Philippine government cracked down hard on the gang, arresting and prosecuting its members. While some gang members managed to evade the authorities, Kuratong Baleleng was no longer the same powerful organization it once was. Today, the authorities have declared that the group is inactive. However, their legacy lives on, and their story has been immortalized in books and films.
Kuratong Baleleng’s story shows the dangers of powerful gangs and how they can cause chaos in society. Even today, the remnants of their criminal empire can be seen in the country, and the Philippine authorities must remain vigilant to prevent their resurgence. The gang’s fall from power shows that nobody is above the law, and justice will eventually catch up with those who choose to break it. The Philippines have made significant strides in eradicating gang violence, and they must continue to put an end to these organizations’ influence and power.
Author: Gerald Lacuarta
Gerald Lacuarta is the editor and content curator of Phil Report. A former reporter of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and a managing editor of the Philippine Collegian, Gerald has written extensively on politics, courts and justice system, environment, foreign affairs, defense, media and technology. He is also a web developer and server administrator, and spends free time playing music and tinkering with cryptocurrencies.
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