2 ‘frat men’ rob students in U-Belt

MANILA, Philippines - Two men were arrested for allegedly robbing students and call center agents in the University Belt area in Manila.

Ryan Miroy, 26, and Vladimir Aclan, 36, were nabbed as they were about to rob Christina Badeo along España Boulevard Friday night, Senior Inspector Salvador Tangdol said. Tangdol heads the Manila Police District’s Crimes Against Property Section (MPD-CAPS).

Tangdol said the suspects’ reported modus operandi is to tell their victim that they are members of a fraternity and that the victim had insulted one of their fellow members.

The suspects would tell the victim to apologize to the fellow member or risk being beaten up. They would then ask the victim to leave behind their cell phones, wallets and other gadgets before leading them to a designated area, usually a restaurant, where the supposed fraternity member was waiting.

Tangdol said at least six complaints have been filed in different precincts within the University Belt area. He said the suspects admitted during questioning that they also operate in Ortigas and Ayala, areas frequented by call center agents.

Tangdol called on those who were victimized using the same modus operandi to visit the MPD-CAPS or call 525-8324 to check if the suspects in their custody are the same ones who robbed them.