A former MS-13 associate of triple-murder suspect Edwin Ramos says his fellow gang member left the San Francisco branch of the gang to “put in more work” with a more violent East Bay branch prior to the 2008 slayings he stands accused of committing.

Testifying at Ramos’ trial Monday, Abraham Martinez reiterated his testimony at a 2011 federal MS-13 trial that Ramos told him in late 2006 that he was considering joining Pasadena Loco Sureños, a Richmond-based MS-13 clique with roots in Southern California.

Martinez testified last week that Ramos caused a stir when he joined that gang before being formally “jumped out” of the 20th Street clique in the Mission District. His defection was considered a breach of gang etiquette, Martinez said.

“He just said that 20th Street wasn’t doing anything,” the 22-year-old Martinez said Monday. Martinez said he took that to mean that the San Francisco branch was “not doing any dirt … not putting in any work,” a reference to committing violent crimes and hunting rivals.

Martinez — who is in federal custody and still awaiting sentencing for racketeering and gun charges — acknowledged that his decision to cooperate with law enforcement at this trial and in federal cases could cost him his life.

“I can be killed,” he said. “I left my gang and I cooperated against them.”

Ramos, 25, is on trial for the June 22, 2008 fatal shootings in the Excelsior District of Anthony Bologna, 48, and two of his sons, whom prosecutors say were mistaken for rival gang members. Ramos says another gang member committed the crimes.

aburack@sfexaminer.com