Suspected ‘Salisi Gang’ members in NAIA arrested

The suspects were presented to the media this morning

The Manila airport police has arrested six suspected members of the ‘Salisi Gang’ who allegedly stole P150,000 from a Japanese tourist inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) last month.

Airport Police chief Romy Labador identified the eight suspects as Ryan Omar Detuyato, Dante Cervantes, Jolyn Magaung, Maribel Brequillo, Rudolf So alias Michael Lee, and Joseph Pascasio. They were presented to the media earlier today (November 25).

Airport policemen arrested the suspects during follow-up operations from November 17-19 within the vicinity of NAIA. The suspects were late charged with theft before the Pasay City prosecutors’ Office.

Members of the salisi gang had victimized several incoming and departing passengers right inside the NAIA terminals. On October 26, a Japanese tourist Makoto Hasegawa lost at least P150,000 after arriving from Osaka, Japan.

Hasegawa arrived at NAIA Terminal 2 on board Philippine Airlines flight PR 407 and soon afterwards he lost his black bag, containing US$150, Y350,000, assorted credit cards, a Canon Camera and his return ticket.

He had placed the bag on top of his trolley but it was stolen by suspected ‘Salisi Gang’ members at Bay 13, North Wing of the terminal’s arrival area.

The airport police also presented two other suspects who allegedly victimized NAIA passengers—Arnold Guinto, a former Metro Manila Development Authority officer who was charged with robbery extortion, and Victor Joya, a taxi driver who was charged with theft.