‘Batang hamog’ known to attack Makati motorists

Speeding bus drivers and wayward pedestrians aren't the only people motorists have to worry about on the road. According to GMA News' “24 Oras," gangs composed of children roaming the streets also pose a threat to motorists in Makati.

The children called “batang hamog," are known to attack vehicles stuck in traffic. On Tuesday, Makati police apprehended several children aged 7-12 who are part of the street gang.
They were not jailed. They were instead turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development because there were minors.

The group’s modus operandi consist of sending a member to knock on the window of an unsuspecting driver while another child opens the car door on the other side, according to the report.

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Even locked cars are not safe as the group resorts to another scheme — shaking the car until the driver steps out. With the car door left open, another member proceeds to loot whatever is inside the vehicle.

The group is known to strike during the rush hour traffic in the morning and in the evening. Authorities advise motorists to never step out of their vehicles, especially when stuck in traffic.

CCTV cameras have yet to be installed in areas where four cases of the criminal modus operandi were reported. Authorities, however, expect the cameras would soon be installed. — MRT, VS, GMA News