Italian loses P.2 M to Ativan gang

MANILA, Philippines — An Italian man lost around P200,000 in cash to suspected Ativan gang members in Manila on Saturday.

Gianluca Cernigliaro, 36, who is billeted at Z Hostel in Barangay Poblacion, Makati, told police that he was strolling in Rizal Park when a woman who introduced herself as Analyn Castro and her brother befriended him. 

Cernigliaro said the two offered to give him a tour around the city.

After visiting Binondo Church and Chinatown, the suspects invited Cernigliaro to eat.

While in a restaurant, the Italian said three women arrived and joined them.

Cernigliaro said he passed out after a few minutes. He remembered that he was dragged into a taxi by one of the suspects.

He found out that his cash and Visa debit card were missing when he returned to the hotel.

He checked his bank account online and discovered that withdrawals of P193,128 were made from two Banco de Oro branches in Manila and Caloocan.