'Ipit Gang' members nabbed in Pasig; gun, shabu seized
Published Jun 14, 2026 10:13 am
Five alleged members of the notorious "Ipit Gang" were arrested after stealing a female security guard’s mobile phone inside a utility vehicle (UV) in Pasig City on June 12.
Authorities arrest five alleged members of a commuter syndicate in Pasig City following a theft inside a UV Express vehicle reported by a victim. (Photo from EPD)
The Eastern Police District (EPD) identified the suspects as “Marbert,” “Amado,” “Jonas,” “Ronny,” and “Marvin,” who posed as passengers and stole the mobile phone of the 40-year-old victim.
Based on the investigation, the victim was onboard the UV Express traveling from Ortigas Extension in Barangay Rosario, Pasig City, bound for Ayala, Makati City, when the suspects boarded.
Authorities said upon settling inside the vehicle, the suspects carried out a coordinated distraction tactic, with “Marbert” and “Amado” flanking the victim and repeatedly squeezing, bumping, and pinning her in her seat.
Meanwhile, their three accomplices sat in front of the victim, talking and joking loudly to distract her, enabling the two to secretly open her backpack and take her mobile phone.
Upon reaching the C-5 Road intersection in Barangay Ugong, the victim discovered the theft, prompting her to confront the group. However, the suspects denied the allegation and shouted, "Bakit mo kami pinagbibintangan?" (Why are you accusing us?).”
“The five perpetrators then hurriedly disembarked from the UV Express van and immediately transferred into a passing Metrolink commuter bus to make their escape toward Makati,” authorities said.
The victim chased the suspects on foot and sought help from nearby patrolling EPD field officers.
“She positively identified the fleeing individuals inside the bus, prompting law enforcers to quickly board the vehicle and systematically confront and detain all five individuals,” police continued.
Authorities immediately conducted a search and inspection, leading to the recovery of the victim’s phone from “Amado.”
Further inspection of the suspects yielded an improvised handgun loaded with a live 9mm round, as well as around 10.3 grams of suspected shabu worth an estimated Php70,040.
The suspects are currently in police custody and will face charges for conspiracy to commit theft and violation of Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002). An additional charge for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) will be filed against “Amado.”
Brig. Gen. Melecio M. Buslig, Jr., EPD officer-in-charge, said, "Our tactical units remain uncompromisingly relentless in sweeping these predatory criminal elements off our public transport networks to guarantee absolute public safety. This synchronized arrest demonstrates that our field units are agile, visible, and deeply committed.”
“We will not allow syndicates to convert commuter vehicles into hunting grounds for exploitation. Let this serve as a warning to lawbreakers operating within the Metro East, the EPD will deploy its full operational and legal assets to track you down and ensure you face the absolute full weight of criminal prosecution,” he added.