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Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Youth riot mars dawn mass in cathedral
By Rex C. Otero
DAVAO CITY -- What was to be a tranquil celebration of the Misa de Gallo turned sour when two rival gang members armed with bolos and "sumpak" engaged in a riot Monday dawn just outside the San Pedro Cathedral.
It was the fourth day of the nine-day Misa de Gallo.
San Pedro Police arrested six gang members as a result of the melee that caused panic among churchgoers.
Arrested were Roldan Angustia, 19, of Kasilak, Bucana; brothers Elizer and Luis Asanis; Jake Alpong, 21; Jasper Caldia; and Richie Caro.
Witnesses said the two rival gangs met outside the church just as the priest was officiating the early morning mass and started fighting in no time at all.
The fight forced many people near the church entrance to scamper for safety.
"They're here every morning, many of them, boys and girls, dancing. I don't know what they are going to church for," one of the dawn mass regulars said.
According to the woman, the rowdy youths would gather in the area after hiding their weapons beneath the plants and grasses at Osmeña and Rizal Parks or around the City Council building.
Darts and knives were confiscated from the rioting youths.
Mass resumed after the melee.
The incident is the second instance that a crime was committed right outside a church this Christmas season. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
(December 20, 2005 issue)
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