The four men were arrested after allegedly committing a robbery in Barangay Bel-Air, Makati on the evening of May 29. According to the police, they pretended to be riders of a ride-hailing app to prey on people working overtime or leaving late from offices.
A 29-year-old vendor from Gen. Luna Street approached the police and reported that he was held at gunpoint and robbed of his cellphone and belongings by four men—one of whom was wearing a ride-hailing driver's uniform, while the others were dressed in black.
Authorities immediately conducted a hot pursuit operation and caught up with the suspects along Valero Street. As they eluded the police, they were pursued until they were caught near Sedeño Street.
According to Col. Jean Dela Torre, acting police chief of Makati, the suspects' movements were said to have a pattern—moving around the area while keeping a distance from each other, as if monitoring the victim. They are said to be targeting those leaving the office late at night.
A stolen cellphone, a gun with an erased serial number, a fake gun, grenades, several knives, and uniforms used as disguises were recovered from them. It turns out that they are members of the Batang City Jail gang, and have records of theft, drugs, and gambling.
