Outlaw biker gangs operating in Phl – PNP

Foreigners belonging to outlaw motorcycle gangs involved in illegal drugs, gunrunning, extortion and other illegal activities have reportedly established their presence in the country.

The Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) urged motorcycle clubs to be wary of accepting foreigners into their organization as these personalities could be members of criminal gangs.

There are about 300 motorcycle clubs in the Philippines who are working with the HPG on spreading information on road safety and security.

HPG director Chief Superintendent Arnel Escobal revealed they were informed by the Australian Federal Police during a conference on outlaw motorcycle syndicates held in Indonesia on March 20 to 21.

The foreigners, mostly from Australia, reportedly belong to Hells Angels and Bandidos, two motorcycle gangs involved in organized crime.

“It was reported to us the two groups have established a presence in Cebu,” Escobal told reporters in a recent interview.

The Australian police warned them the problem is serious as these foreigners travel to different parts of the world to establish their presence.

Escobal said they were informed several members of the two groups have traveled to the Philippines several times. The police official has no information when the foreigners have been going to the country.

“We will be digging deeper and investigate on what their actual involvements are,” he said.

To avoid detection by authorities, Escobal said the foreigners put up commercial establishments as fronts for their criminal activities.

They also link up with with powerful personalities to show they belong to legitimate organizations.

“They even hold fundraising activities,” Escobal said.