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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider French tourist drugged, robbed in Makati; 5 'Ativan Gang' members nabbed

French tourist drugged, robbed in Makati; 5 'Ativan Gang' members nabbed

Published May 28, 2025 04:50 pm
Close up of male hands in bracelets behind back
Close up of male hands in bracelets behind back
Police arrested five suspected members of the notorious “Ativan Gang” for allegedly drugging and robbing a 23-year-old French tourist, authorities reported on Wednesday, May 28.
Police said the group is known for befriending, drugging, and robbing their victims — a modus operandi associated with the so-called “Ativan Gang.”
The victim, who was staying at a hotel on Burgos Street in Barangay Poblacion, was approached by the suspects while walking along Makati Avenue going to Ayala Center on Saturday, Mayr 25.
Gaining the victim’s trust, the group joined him for lunch and later suggested a trip to a popular tourist spot in Manila, to which he agreed.
During the trip, the group made a stop at a convenience store and offered the tourist a bottle of beer, which he declined. One of the suspects then allegedly injected him with an unknown substance, causing him to lose consciousness.
The victim later woke up groggy at around 10 p.m. inside a taxi parked on Gil Puyat Avenue in Barangay Palanan.
The taxi was reportedly driven by one of the suspects, identified only as “Pio,” while the other gang members fled.
Upon checking his belongings, the victim discovered that his iPhone and P6,000 in cash had been stolen.
He immediately sought help at Police Substation 2 and filed a complaint the following day at the Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS) of Makati City Police.
CCTV footage from a Japanese restaurant in the area helped authorities identify the suspects, who were found to have prior records involving similar crimes.
Using the “Find My” app, the victim was able to track his stolen phone in Intramuros, Manila. The IDMS tracker team immediately responded and located the suspects as they were preparing to board a taxi.
After a brief chase, police arrested all five suspects near 2nd Street and Mel Lopez Boulevard.
The suspects are male and female individuals aged between 40 and 60. They are reportedly jobless and reside in Tondo, Intramuros, Nueva Ecija, and Quezon Province.
Recovered from them were the victim’s iPhone, identification cards, and other personal belongings.
Police also revealed that one of the suspects has a pending arrest warrant for theft in Mandaluyong, while another faces multiple theft charges in Manila.
The suspects will be charged with robbery under Article 293 of the Revised Penal Code.

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