Foreign tourists robbed by motorcycle-riding gang in Makati

A suspect in a series of robberies by motorcycle riders targeting foreign tourists in Makati has been arrested.

According to Mark Salazar’s report on 24 Oras on Tuesday, CCTV footage showed two people on a motorcycle snatching the cellphone of a Chinese tourist along M. Garcia Avenue on December 12.

Another such robbery took place on December 16 in the same area, with another Chinese tourist.

“Kapag tourist ang biktima, hindi na sila napipilitang mag kaso kaya talagang umaalis na lang dahil mga five or 10 days flight na nila pabalik sa kanilang bansa,” said Police Major Judge Donato, chief investigation of the Makati City Police.

(When tourists are the victims, they often do not file cases anymore since they would be flying back to their countries in five or 10 days.)

On December 20, robbers stole a bag that contained ¥50,000 yen (roughly P130,000) from a Japanese tourist, but one of the suspects was caught along Makati Avenue after a chase.

The Japanese Embassy condemned the robbery incident.

The suspect admitted he was the one in the back seat during the Dec. 16 and 20 incidents.

He also said there were four other people in the gang, including their leader, “Danza.”

“Niyaya niya lang po kami, kukuha lang daw kami ng clothing. Meron siyang clothing line,” the suspect said. “Nagulat na lang ako na ganun ginawa niya.”

(He invited us to get some clothes since he has a clothing line. I did not expect we would be stealing.)

The arrested suspect previously had cases of robbery and illegal possession of firearms.

He said he was forced to engage in illegal activities since he was in dire need of an income.

The arrested suspect will be facing charges of robbery and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

The authorities are still searching for the other suspects. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News