‘Ativan Gang’ strikes anew, victimizes 2 Japanese tourists

01/04/2009

Two Japanese tourists were victimized of more than P.4 million worth of cash and valuables by suspected members of the dreaded “Ativan” robbery gang last Friday night in Manila.

The Manila Police District (MPD) identified the two victims as Tatsuya Suzuki, 29, and Hiroaki Arai, 29, both billeted at Prince Plaza I in Makati City.

The victims who were about to go home to Japan after spending Christmas vacation in Manila were still shocked when accompanied by a concerned citizen to the MPD Headquarters on United Nations Avenue in Ermita.

Police said at least P400,000 worth of cash and valuables, including expensive Rolex watches, were taken by the unidentified robbers.

Reports reaching the MPD General Assignment Section said prior to the incident, the victims went to Malate, Manila Friday night to spend their last night there.

The victims who still could not remember the exact place and time said while inside a beer joint, an unidentified man befriended them. The man even offered drinks and foods to the victims as they got along together.

After consuming the foods and drinks, the sweet-tongued man reportedly invited the two Japanese to visit his residence in Manila to which the victims agreed.

While inside an unknown residence, the man offered another drink. The two claimed they fell asleep after drinking the liquor.

The two were shocked when they woke up at 10:30 a.m. in front of Riviera Mansions in Manila with their cash and other personal belongings already missing.

The unidentified robbers, however, left the victims’ passports.

The two Japanese left home yesterday for Japan. The two reportedly spent their Christmas vacation in the country for only several days. Pat C. Santos

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