Researcher Franklin G. Ashburn described them as "perhaps the most structured and best organized conflict gang in the Manila City Jail at the time".
[2] All full members of the Sputnik gang must undergo an initiation where they must wear a "tatak" (tattoo or brand), considered to be a badge of honor.
Talent does not go unnoticed in confinement for the Sputniks had one member who was designated as the official artist and he enjoyed a high status position in the group.
[2] These "regulations" are known as the "Ten Commandments" of the Sputniks and are as follows: There is no set punishment for any given offense until the case has been tried before a council of elders and judges.
On January 4, 2017, a Sputnik member by the name of Randy Lizardo shot and killed policeman PO1 Enrico Domingo in Tondo.
[1][4] On July 27, 2020, big time gang leader Rolando Loyola was captured during Operation Pagtugis led by Regional Intelligence Division, NCRPO; MPD Police Station 4 in Sampaloc, Manila.
[7] During the two month long series of riots, gang members fought with improvised melee weapons, knives, arrows, and allegedly, firearms.