THE EIGHTIES # 726: RAMON 'BONG' REVILLA, JR., LANI MERCADO, TANYA GOMEZ, ELSA AGANA, WITH GEORGE ESTREGAN, REZ CORTEZ, RENATO DEL PRADO, CONRAD POE IN "HULIHIN SI... MORTEMER 'BITOY' MARCELO NG CELESTE GANG" (1985)

"Hulihin si... Mortemer 'Bitoy' Marcelo ng Celeste Gang" (1985)

Sapphire Films International

Release Date August 23, 1985

Direction Nilo Saez

Cast Ramon 'Bong' Revilla, Jr., Lani Mercado, Tanya Gomez, Elsa Agana/ Also Starring George Estregan, Rez Cortez, Renato del Prado, Conrad Poe, Manny Luna, Val Iglesia, Philip Gamboa, Edwin Reyes, Mon Godiz, Ruel Vernal, ZaldyPascual, King Gutierrez/ with the special participation of Mohammad Faisal & Susan Bautista, 

 The movie was based on a true-to-life notorious group of young gunmen known as the "Celeste Gang," linked to a number of armed holdups in Metro Manila in the 80s.   Here's the news account--

 

Philippines Daily Express/ November 8, 1980 (click image to enlarge)

In the late 1980, a group of young notorious crooks known as the “Celeste Gang” was responsible for the numerous armed holdups and violent incidents in Metro Manila. The initial reports described the suspects as rich-looking young men, between ages 20 to 24 and using a Colt Celeste car as their getaway vehicle.

 

(click image to enlarge)

At least 17 holdup, carnapping and gun snatching incidents in Metro Manila believed pulled by this group with the use of illegally-acquired guns. A Northern Police District official initially attributed to the gang nine cases in Quezon City including the killing of a 30-year old guard of Shakey’s Inn on West Avenue, QC.

(click image to enlarge)

The case was considered solved with the arrest of their leader, Mortimer Marcelo y Purugunan, a self-confessed gangleader, who was captured Tuesday, November 25 in Quezon City by NPD team led by Lt. Dalanon. Marcelo, a former jockey and resident of Makati, admitted participation in most of the violent incidents. A movie was made in 1985 with the young action star Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla, Jr. in the lead role.