Manila Police District (MPD) Director Arnold Thomas Ibay warned students against talking to strangers following the arrest of three ‘Budol Gang’ members victimizing students in the University Belt Area.
Ibay said the MPD-Police Station 14 nabbed the other day the three suspects identified as John Mark Bersula, Mark Pelan Reyes and Jefferson Quiliza, all of whom are now undergoing further investigation.
Based on the initial probe, Ibay said the suspects’ modus operandi consists of befriending their prospective victim in the guise of conducting an interview and then asking them to go with the suspects to sign documents, only for the other suspects to take his things.
A victim reportedly lost his cellphone, credit card and his wallet containing P8,000 in cash.
The victim told the police that he was walking on Claro M.Recto when one of the three suspects approached him and purportedly sought his opinion about fraternity and hazing.
Moments later, the suspect brought the victim to the nearby Barbs Coffee and then to the Popeye restaurant where he would sign certain papers but first, he was told to leave his things behind.
When the victim returned, the suspect and his things were gone.
Ibay directed the policemen assigned at the UBA to heighten their watch against criminal elements who may lurk in the area to victimize hapless students.
