[2][3] Considered to be one of the largest syndicates in the country, Kuratong Baleleng received nationwide attention due to their alleged end in a shootout with the Philippine National Police in May 1995 in Quezon City.

Its first leader was Octavio "Ongkoy" Parojinog, handpicked by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, He allegedly began using the group both for its officially stated purpose as well as to conduct illegal activities.

Officers were prosecuted with the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), the largest human rights law firm, serving as the chief prosecutor in the case.

[6] The special prosecuting team of FLAG led by Jose Manuel Chel Diokno, responded and later asked the High Tribunal to remand the case once more to the trial court to present new evidence against Lacson, inter alia.

[5] In April 2014, long-time Kuratong Baleleng fugitive Edgar Digamo was shot and killed by police after he began shooting at them in Lapu-Lapu City, after hiding for 13 years.