Five alleged members of the “Ipit Gang,” a group notorious for pickpocketing student commuters, were arrested in Old Sta. Mesa, Manila on July 18, the Manila Police District (MPD) said.
The suspects—aged 22 to 34, all residents of Old Sta. Mesa—were caught during an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the MPD District Police Intelligence Operations Unit (DPIOU), following a report filed by one of their victims.
Using GPS tracking and photo identification, police traced and apprehended the suspects, recovering the stolen device.
Authorities said the gang’s modus involves cornering victims inside public transport and snatching their phones, often using motorcycles as getaway vehicles.
They allegedly operated across Remedios, Taft, and Lawton, stealing up to four phones a day.
Three of the five suspects have prior theft cases dating back to 2017.
At least seven more incidents are believed to be tied to the group, and police are urging other victims to come forward. (Richielyn Canlas)
