Ativan Gang Suspects Arrested in Makati
Authorities arrested five suspected members of the notorious Ativan Gang after they allegedly drugged and robbed a 23-year-old French tourist. Reports indicate that the group is known for befriending victims, drugging them, and then stealing their valuables—a criminal method linked to the so-called Ativan Gang.
The incident happened when the victim, staying at a hotel along Burgos Street in Barangay Poblacion, was approached by the suspects while walking along Makati Avenue towards Ayala Center on Saturday, May 25. Gaining his trust, the group joined him for lunch and then proposed visiting a popular Manila tourist spot, which the tourist accepted.
How the Crime Unfolded
During the outing, the suspects stopped at a convenience store where they offered the tourist a bottle of beer, which he refused. One of the suspects then reportedly injected him with an unknown substance, causing the victim to lose consciousness. He later woke up feeling groggy inside a taxi parked on Gil Puyat Avenue in Barangay Palanan. The taxi driver, identified by witnesses only as “Pio,” was allegedly one of the suspects, while the others fled the scene.
Upon regaining awareness, the victim found his iPhone and P6,000 in cash missing. He immediately sought help from a nearby police substation and filed a complaint the following day with the Makati City Police’s Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS).
Police Investigation and Arrest
CCTV footage from a nearby Japanese restaurant helped authorities identify the suspects, who reportedly have prior records of similar crimes. Using the victim’s “Find My” app, police tracked the stolen phone to Intramuros, Manila. The IDMS tracker team quickly responded and located the suspects as they were preparing to board a taxi.
After a brief pursuit, police apprehended all five individuals near 2nd Street and Mel Lopez Boulevard. The suspects, both male and female, are between 40 and 60 years old. They are unemployed and reside in various areas, including Tondo, Intramuros, Nueva Ecija, and Quezon Province.
Recovered Items and Pending Charges
Authorities recovered the victim’s iPhone, identification cards, and other personal belongings from the suspects. Additionally, police revealed that one suspect has an outstanding arrest warrant for theft in Mandaluyong, while another faces multiple theft charges in Manila.
The arrested individuals will be charged with robbery under Article 293 of the Revised Penal Code. Community leaders said this arrest is a significant step toward curbing the activities of the Ativan Gang, which has been a source of concern for residents and tourists alike.
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