Cops bust Malate robbery gang

MANILA, Philippines - Police arrested seven suspected members of a robbery gang preying on tourists and hotel guests in Malate, Manila yesterday.

The Cavite-based gang of three women and four men operate during holidays when tourists flock to the city, according to Chief Inspector Edgar Carpio Manila police theft and robbery section chief.

Police stopped Alexander Mangsan, 32, Al Miranda, 35, Ruel Magdasal, 27, Mark Rhino, 26, Angeline Najial, 30, Helen Macanas, 42, and Rebecca Casas, 33, in front of the Palm Plaza Hotel at the corner of Pedro Gil and A. Mabini streets in Ermita. Police accosted the suspects after boarded a passing passenger jeepney and taken to police headquarters for verification.

Casas turned out to be included in a police gallery of “Salisi Gang” members whose modus operandi is to converge in hotel lobbies and when given the chance distract tourists and hotel guests and steal their valuables.

During interrogation, Casas said she broke away from her previous gang to train new members from Cavite.

They also mingle with customers in fast food restaurants to steal bags, she added..

Carpio said since the suspects were not caught in the act they were simply charged with vagrancy.

Mug shots of the suspects were individually taken, he added.

Carpio is inviting robbery victims to come to the MPD headquarters to identificatify and file charges against the suspects.