5 "Ativan Gang" Suspects Arrested in Intramuros, Manila for Stealing Chinese Tourist's Wallet

5 "Ativan Gang" Suspects Arrested in Intramuros, Manila for Stealing Chinese Tourist's Wallet

📌 On the afternoon of Sunday, November 1 (All Saints' Day), a group of 5 who approached a 28-year-old Chinese tourist in Intramuros, Manila, speaking to him in Japanese, were caught by patrolling police while sneaking his wallet out of his pocket. According to the Manila Bulletin, police believe they are members of the "Ativan Gang."

■ What Happened
· As the tourist was leaving after Mass at San Agustin Church, four women and one man asked him where he was headed.
· When he said he was going to Manila Cathedral, a 67-year-old woman in the group spoke to him in Japanese and gained his trust. The group then said they would show him the old cannons on the city walls, and they walked together along Victoria Street toward Gate 10.
· They then tried to get him into a car, saying they wanted to celebrate the birthday of a 21-year-old woman in the group in Chinatown. At around 12:50 p.m., just before they got into the car, patrolling police saw the 67-year-old woman take the wallet from the tourist's left pants pocket.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· Police recovered the tourist's wallet (containing 400 pesos in cash) from the woman's shoulder bag.
· The 5 people arrested are aged 21 to 67, and the tourist identified all 5 at the Manila Police District (MPD) investigation section. The case has been referred for inquest to determine whether charges will be filed.

■ Advice for Residents and Travelers
· If a stranger at a tourist spot approaches you in a friendly way, speaking your language or another foreign language, and offers a tour, a meal, or a birthday celebration, politely decline.
· Do not get into a car with a group of strangers, and keep your wallet in a front pocket or a zippered bag.

■ Source
Manila Bulletin (11/4)

■ Photo
· The group and the victim marked on Intramuros CCTV footage — Manila Bulletin