A Sobering Announcement

**Page 28**

The atmosphere in their base was charged with jubilation as the gang celebrated the success of their daring jailbreak operation. Bottles of liquor were opened, laughter filled the air, and the members basked in the sense of accomplishment.

Emanuel Meneses, their leader, raised a glass and toasted to their resilience and triumph.

**Emanuel Meneses:** *(raising his glass)* To our undying spirit and unwavering unity! We've shown them once again that the Philippine Death Gang cannot be defeated.

The gang members echoed their leader's sentiment with resounding cheers. The sound of clinking glasses and celebratory shouts reverberated through the room.

But then, in the middle of their revelry, the mood shifted dramatically as Roxanne, their unexpected harbinger of news, burst into the room with a look of urgency on her face. Her presence silenced the room, and all eyes turned to her.

**Roxanne:** *(panting)* Everyone, listen up! I've just received some very bad news. The police are planning a massive operation, a gang hunt, and they've enlisted the AFP, the Philippine military.

A hushed silence fell over the gang as Roxanne's words sank in. The room, once filled with celebration, now felt heavy with the weight of impending danger.

**Emanuel Meneses:** *(serious)* So, not only do we have the Diablo gang and the police as our adversaries, but now we also have the military on our tail.

The gang members exchanged worried glances, realizing the gravity of their situation. The Diablo gang's actions, coupled with their recent jailbreak operation, had drawn the attention of forces they had never before encountered.

**Division Captain Angelo:** *(concerned)* What's our plan, Boss?

Emanuel Meneses, known for his cool-headedness even in the direst situations, began to lay out their options.

**Emanuel Meneses:** *(thoughtful)* For now, we need to lay low. We can't afford to draw any more attention to ourselves. Even if the Diablo gang encroaches on our turf, we must refrain from any confrontations. Let the police and military focus their efforts on them.

The room filled with murmurs of agreement as the gang members absorbed the leader's words.

**Division Vice Captain Sandra:** *(worried)* But what if the Diablo gang tries to exploit our situation?

**Division Captain Jerome:** *(nodding)* They might see our inactivity as weakness.

Emanuel Meneses nodded, acknowledging the valid concerns of his captains and vice captains.

**Emanuel Meneses:** *(firm)* We'll need to be vigilant and defend our turf if necessary, but only as a last resort. Right now, our priority is to avoid any encounters with the authorities. We must lay low until this storm blows over.

With a heavy sense of responsibility weighing on their shoulders, the division captains and vice captains began to brainstorm strategies for maintaining a low profile while ensuring the safety of their members. The room was filled with a tense determination as they faced the daunting challenge of evading not only the Diablo gang and the police but also the formidable Philippine military.