MANILA — Authorities in Nueva Ecija have arrested an alleged gang leader connected to the 2025 Trillion Peso March over unrelated criminal charges.

The suspect, known as “Alyas Primo,” is reportedly the head of the Temple Street Gang, whose members were among those detained for inciting unrest during the protests, according to a “24 Oras Weekend” report by Jun Veneracion.

“Ang possible role niya, of course, siya kasi yung lumalabas na leader doon sa gang na iyon. Wala kasi kaming nakalap na ebidensya na nandoon siya mismo sa lugar,” said Police Major General Anthony Aberin, NCR Police Office Regional Director.

(His possible role is that he appears to be the leader of the gang. However, we have not gathered evidence that he was physically present at the scene.)

“Pero bilang leader, dapat accountable siya sa actions ng kanyang grupo, at pinaniniwalaan naming may kaalaman siya sa mga pangyayari noong September Trillion Peso March,” Aberin added.

(But as leader, he should be accountable for his group’s actions, and we believe he had knowledge of what transpired during the September Trillion Peso March.)

Aberin clarified that Alyas Primo was arrested under a warrant for robbery with intimidation and homicide, not directly for his alleged involvement in the protest riots.

Police said the suspect had been in hiding for 12 years before his capture in Guimba.

“Napakahalaga ng pagkakaaresto sa kanya dahil isa siyang lider ng isang gang at may kinalaman sa iba’t ibang kaso,” Aberin said.

(His arrest is significant because he is a gang leader and is involved in multiple cases.)

The NCRPO confirmed that Alyas Primo remains in custody as authorities continue to gather evidence that may link him to the Trillion Peso March riots.