SM says ‘martilyo’ gang behind mall robbery

MANILA, Philippines (3rd UPDATE) – A robbery incident took place inside SM North EDSA in Quezon City on Sunday night, December 15, causing commotion in the mall.

A statement by SM Premier Mall Vice President for Operations Steven Tan said the incident involved the “martilyo (hammer) gang,” which is known for targeting jewelry shops.

In a phone interview, Tan said the group robbed one store, but no one was hurt.

Tan also denied there was shooting involved like what social media posts had claimed.

He added that the police are now on top of the situation and the mall has resumed normal operations.

Hours after the incident, President Benigno Aquino III and Interior Secretary Mar Roxas visited the crime scene to personally check the situation, ABS-CBN News reported.

Earlier tweets claimed people ran towards the mall’s exits as gun shots were heard at the mall’s department store.

People are panicking here at @SMNorthEdsa for unknown reasons… People running from all directions and stores closed pic.twitter.com/rvnGlyAWn9

— Jose Mari Cariaga (@dipsoul) December 15, 2013

One Instagram user took this video shortly after the incident.

– Rappler.com