According to Philippine media reports, Manila police said on November 3 that they had arrested five suspects believed to be members of the “Ativan Gang”. The group targeted a Chinese tourist near the historic Intramuros district on Sunday afternoon and allegedly attempted to steal from him, but patrolling officers caught them in the act.
Police said the victim was a 28-year-old Chinese tourist. He had just attended a service at San Agustin Church that afternoon and was walking around Intramuros when one suspect approached him. Other members then joined them, and the group soon struck up a friendly conversation with the tourist.
CCTV footage showed a white taxi stopping outside Intramuros, with one man and four women getting out. The suspects accompanied the tourist, with one even holding an umbrella for him, in an attempt to gain his trust. They invited him to attend a birthday party in Binondo.
Arcilla, head of the police criminal investigation section, said witnesses saw the suspects begin stealing the tourist’s belongings before getting him into the vehicle. Patrolling officers happened upon them, and all five suspects were arrested.
Investigators said the group was suspected of using sedatives to commit theft, typically enticing victims to consume spiked drinks before stealing their possessions when they became disoriented. Two of the five suspects were already the subjects of court-issued arrest warrants in theft cases.
Police reminded tourists visiting the Philippines to be wary of strangers who approach them, invite them to gatherings or offer drinks. They advised tourists not to readily accept drinks from strangers or follow them to other locations.