An alleged member of the dreaded “Ativan Gang” was nabbed after victimizing a Taiwanese tourist in Rizal Park in Manila last week.
The suspect was identified as Merlinda Mercado, a resident of Tondo district.
Based on the police report, Mercado was with three more persons when she approached the victim, 32-year-old Hongpin Kuo, while walking around the national park located in Ermita last Mar. 1.
Moments later, they invited the victim for a drink.
The next thing the victim knew was that he woke up inside his room at Sulit Dormitel located on V. Mapa Street in Sta. Mesa with his P10,000 cash already missing.
He immediately reported the incident to the police.
Manila Police District – General Assignment and Investigation Section (MPD-GAIS) chief Police Capt. Henry Navarro said the victim was able to recognize Mercado based on the rogues’ gallery they showed to him.
After which, they conducted the operation leading to the arrest of the suspect on Sunday, Mar. 3.
Meanwhile, manhunt operations against the three unidentified cohorts of Mercado are ongoing. (Ria Fernandez)