Latest news with #JunVeneracion
GMA Network
5 days ago
- GMA Network
Alleged former official of Makati POGO nabbed at top hotel
Authorities have arrested a Chinese man who allegedly was an official in a now-shuttered Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) outfit in Makati City. In Jun Veneracion's exclusive report on '24 Oras" on Thursday, security personnel could be seen trailing the suspect in a five-star hotel in Makati. Upon exiting the hotel, he was arrested. 'Dahil luxury hotel po ito, iniiwasan po na magkaroon ng scandal at the same time commotion sa loob,' said Makati Police spokesperson Police Captain Jenibeth Artista. (Because this was a luxury hotel, there was a need to avoid creating a scandal and commotion on the premises.) The man is facing 18 counts of qualified theft. 'Siya po ay isang finance executive so siya po ang nagma-manage ng expenses, cash transactions within and outside ng company po,' Artista said. (He was the finance executive who manages the expenses and cash transactions within and outside the company.) According to information acquired by the Makati police intelligence unit, the suspect supposedly took millions in cryptocurrency. The suspect said he was caught off-guard since he was unaware there were any charges filed against him. When asked for comment, the suspect told GMA Integrated News that he will talk to his lawyer first before making a statement. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
6 days ago
- GMA Network
French tourist injected with drug in ‘Ativan Gang'-style robbery
Authorities are warning the public, especially tourists, about a disturbing new twist on an old robbery scheme of the 'Ativan Gang'—but this time involving an injectable substance. According to a 24 Oras report by Jun Veneracion, a French tourist, identified only as 'Matthew,' was robbed of nearly P100,000 worth of cash and gadgets after being approached by a group who pretended to be friendly locals offering a tour of Manila. The incident occurred on Sunday, May 25, while Matthew was walking around Makati. The group befriended him and invited him to explore tourist spots in Manila. They ate together before boarding a taxi. That's when things took a dark turn. "At one point, I felt an injection in my arm so they drugged me and I became completely unconscious and I have no memories," Matthew said. When he regained consciousness, his cash and mobile phone were gone. "Pag gising niya, wala na yung kanyang mga gamit na cellphone at cash na nagkakahalaga ng 96,000 pesos," said Southern Police District Director Police Brigadier General Joseph Arguellas. (When he woke up, his cellphone and cash worth P96,000 were already gone.) Police saw a resemblance in the robbery style to the MO of the notorious Ativan Gang, an old group known for dropping drugs into the food or drink of their victims and robbing them. However, injecting drugs into the victims is new. Authorities say the shift in method may be due to increased public awareness of the old approach. "Nabanggit nung isa sa mga babae na suspects na masyado nang gasgas yung kanilang paglagay ng gamot o kung anumang kemikal sa tubig tapos pinapainom," said Police Colonel Jean Dela Torre of the Makati police force. (One of the female suspects said that adding drugs or chemicals to drinks had become too predictable.) With the help of a tracking app, police were able to locate the victim's stolen phone, which led to the arrest of five suspects, including a 68-year-old woman. The stolen phone was recovered in their possession and they will face robbery charges. — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News
