Man linked to several hotel thefts arrested in Makati

A man who was allegedly involved in several hotel theft incidents was arrested in Makati City on Wednesday morning for illegal possession of firearms.

In a statement, the Makati City Police said they were alerted about the suspect identified as Michael Angelo Simbulan who was reportedly roaming inside a hotel with a firearm tucked in his waistband.

“Further investigation revealed that hotel security and complainants, who had recently experienced theft incidents during a performance review at The Manila Peninsula,” the Makati police said.

“CCTV footage confirmed his presence at both locations, prompting the Makati City Police to investigate his possible involvement in the Manila Peninsula theft,” it added.

Aside from this, police said records showed that Simbulan has a prior criminal history, including arrests for robbery and malicious mischief in Olongapo City, as well as theft in Tarlac City and Cainta, Rizal.

In a press briefing, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said the suspect pretended to be a participant in events hosted at hotels.

“Ang modus operandi ng taong po ito ay pumupunta po siya sa mga hotels na may occasions and events and even conventions,” she said.

(The modus operandi of this person is that he goes to hotels that are holding occasions, events, and even conventions.)

“He's trying to make it appear na part po siya ng event at kapag nakapasok na po siya doon sa mga venues at sumasalisi po ito at nagnanakaw po,” he added.

(He's trying to make it appear that he's part of the event and when he gets into the venues he would sneak around and steal.)

Fajardo said the suspect is set to undergo inquest proceeding on Wednesday. —RF, GMA Integrated News