In a quite province located south of Manila, nestles Cavite, where every turn is either a view of green grass sprawled hectares ahead or the typical filipino homes. One of these homes used to house a gangster turned folk hero, Nardong Putik. He was believed to have possessed an amulet or in common filipino term an "anting-anting". It was believed to have the ability to protect him from harm considering how he was involved in many heinous crimes that included: illegal possession of firearms, kidnapping, armed robbery, murder. Among these, he was also involved in the infamous Maragondon massacre (1952) where several men were killed using only hunting knives. He was also involved in the Election day (1972) killing of Lt. Colonel Laureano Maraña and seven others.
He was then later convicted and was detained in 1953 in the Constabulary stockade in Imus, Cavite but not later than 1955 did he escape.
Nardong Putik was later recaptured through the efforts of Lt. Elias R. Lazo, Jr., Lt. Federico D. Navarro and other PC men.
But before he did surrender to Lt. Lazo, the men participated in a forty-five minute gun battle. It first started as the men were informed of the convicts whereabouts. In a rice mill located at a barrio called Medicion in Imus, Cavite. At about 10:00 in the evening of May 26, a report had come in that Nardong Putik was going to spend the night in the aforementioned mill. The report then relayed to the proper officials and then when the break of dawn came, Lt. Lazo together with his men searched the mill. He was nowhere to be found. But they didn't give up and they kept their postions at a standstill. After awhile the Lt. Lazo and his men noticed there was another altough they wanted to search it, it could not be done since the room was locked. So what they did was look in the outer window of the room but could only see the top of tables and cabinets. They were about to open another window when suddenly a shot was fired. Fortunately, no one was hurt. Another shot was fired. Lt. Lazo, knowing how Nardong Putik would not give up without a fight then ordered one of his men to throw a grenade at the door. But Nardong Putik only responded with a few more gunshots. Now feeling impatient, Lt. Lazo then shouted "Nardo, mga PC ito. Sumuko ka na kung ayaw mong masaktan!". Instead of a reply, he only responded with shots. Then Lt. Lazo yelled again, this time identifying who he was. Nardong Putik then responded with "Sir, kayo pala". Nardong Putik, now knowing who he was dealing with was eager to surrender. So, he threw out his weapons and a greanade that luckily did not explode. Lt. Lazo and another officer then forced opened the locked door with a log. He was brought to PC headquarters in Imus and from there to Camp crame where his minor wounds were treated. For all the shooting exchanges Nardong Putik was only creased on the left forearm, above the right eyebrow and another on the abdomen. Putik thanked his anting-anting for such luck.
Putik was sentenced to 182 years in jail and two months at the National Penitentiary in Muntinlupa. He then later escaped in October 1969 and was in hiding at one of Cavite's local farmers house.
On February 10, 1971 he was then again captured but this time dead. This happened a few moments after the exchanging of shots between the cars that have been tailgating him.
The news was a flash reporton local television and a top newspaper story the next day.
On Nardong Putik death, his men were later arrested, charged and convictedin court for the crimes they had done.
The killing of Nardong Putik sent the locals of Cavite in a state osf shock since he was considered as a "robin hood" given that he mainly targets the rich.
The story of Nardong Putik was later adapted into books and movies.
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