Makati condos hit by a series of motorcycle crimes — Rider-disguised shootings and snatches, police form special task force

📌 From August 22 to September 28, a series of armed robberies, shootings, and snatching incidents involving motorcycle-riding suspects took place in Makati's condo-dense areas.
The shooters on September 24 and the snatcher on September 28 were disguised as motorcycle taxi and delivery riders, prompting the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to form a special investigation team. The Makati police maintain that "these are isolated incidents and Makati is safe."

■ Saturday night, August 22 — Armed robbery of condo resident in Legaspi Village
· Around 10:45 PM, along Perea Street at the corner of Paseo de Roxas.
· Three armed suspects on two motorcycles surrounded and robbed a resident who had just stepped out of a condo building.
· Condo management issued an advisory telling residents to "travel in groups, reduce phone and earphone use outside, and keep valuables out of sight."
· The Makati police chief dismissed rumors of a crime surge, calling it an "isolated incident."

■ Thursday morning, September 24 — Condo administrator shot along Chino Roces Avenue
· Before 7:00 AM, along Chino Roces Avenue in Pio del Pilar, a female condo administrator driving an SUV was chased by two men on a motorcycle who fired multiple shots.
· The suspects were wearing motorcycle taxi company uniforms. The victim sustained gunshot wounds to her leg and thigh but is in stable condition.
· Police tracked the getaway motorcycle via CCTV and identified two suspects. They are investigating a possible personal grudge, noting that the victim had received death threats.

■ Monday night, September 28 — Snatching in front of condo main gate
· Around 10:20 PM in front of a condo main gate in Pio del Pilar. A man wearing a helmet, rider gear, and even a delivery box asked a guard for an address. When denied entry, he turned around and snatched a Power Mac shopping bag from a resident before fleeing.
· The bag only contained clothes and medicine. The police only learned about the incident after seeing the victim's social media post (Exclusive report by Manila Bulletin).

■ Police Response
· The NCRPO ordered the Southern Police District and Makati Police to create a special investigation team named "Condo."
· Authorities warned against criminals exploiting rider uniforms and announced plans to discuss verification procedures with motorcycle taxi and delivery companies to distinguish genuine riders.

■ Notice for Expats and Travelers
· Do not trust anyone simply because they are dressed as a rider. When expecting a delivery, check the rider's name and license plate against the app, and if possible, receive it at the lobby or security desk.

· When entering or leaving condos late at night, avoid standing outside the main gate for long periods looking at your phone or holding shopping bags; head straight into the building. Shopping bags from electronics stores can make you a target.

· If you become a victim, do not just post on social media—report it immediately to the police (911). Even this latest snatching incident only came to the police's attention after they saw it on social media.

■ Sources
Manila Bulletin & Tempo (8/26), InsiderPH (August), Philstar (8/28, 9/25), GMA News (9/24), Daily Tribune (9/24, 9/25), SunStar (9/24), Manila Bulletin (9/26, 9/30)

■ Photos
CCTV footage of the September 24 shooter's motorcycle chasing the victim's vehicle (Daily Tribune)
The victim's vehicle showing bullet holes (Provided by Makati Police, SunStar)
PNP spokesperson briefing the media with a photo of the recovered getaway motorcycle (Daily Tribune)