Ermita police chief: Vigilantes sending a signal?

Ermita police station commander Superintendent Manolo Martinez hinted yesterday that the death of a heavily-tattooed man who was found dumped outside a popular mall in Manila’s tourist belt could be the work of a vigilante group.

"The victim is a known tourist robber. Somebody out there could be sending out a very strong signal," Martinez said.

Martinez, however, was quick to add that the incident still needs further investigation as the alleged summary execution could have been staged to "ride on" the issue of crime incidents in Manila involving tourists.

"It would be rather swift to conclude that it was the work of vigilantes. It could also be the work of people who are just trying to take advantage of the situation," Martinez said.

Yesterday, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) of the Western Police District dispatched a team to the Manila City Jail to conduct a background check on the victim.

As of yesterday, homicide investigators were still trying to identify the victim who was found dumped near the Padre Faura St. entrance of the mall at about 11:30 p.m. last Tuesday.

Investigators said the victim, who bore the tattoos "Batang City Jail" and "International Combat" on his hips, back and shoulders, was strangled to death as shown by welt marks on his arms, neck and feet. No stab wounds or gunshot wounds were found.

The victim, estimated to be between 30 to 35 years of age, stood about five feet tall and was wearing a gray T-shirt when found by a mall security guard. Hanging from the victim’s neck was a cardboard sign scribbled with the words "Turista huwag holdapin, alagaan. Susunod Ativan naman" (Don’t rob tourists, take care of them. Ativan (gang) is next).

Martinez earlier said that criminal groups such as the dreaded Ativan robbery gang have long been operating in the tourist areas of Malate and Ermita. These gangs hang around hotels and malls while waiting for their prey, usually foreigners.

The Ativan Gang gained notoriety for its use of the sedative Ativan and pretty women. The women lure their prospective victims into drinking Ativan-laced drinks and then rob them of their valuables when they fell unconscious.