By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — A woman allegedly linked to the so-called “Ativan Gang” was arrested by operatives of the Manila Police District-Meisic Police Station (PS-11) in Las Piñas City on Monday night, May 11, authorities said.
The suspect was identified as ELMA MATAS y ROSIRO, 46, single, unemployed, and currently residing at Fajardo Compound, Admiral Street, Barangay Talon Tres, Las Piñas City.
Police said the arrest was carried out at around 8:30 p.m. along Admiral Street, Barangay Talon Tres, Las Piñas City, through a joint operation led by PLT Ryan Orinay Valenzuela, chief of the Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS), and PCPT Tom Jay P. Fallar, chief of intelligence, under the supervision of PLTCOL Cicero Magana Pura, station commander of MPD-PS11.
Authorities implemented a warrant of arrest against the suspect for violation of Article 308 (Theft) of the Revised Penal Code under Criminal Case No. M-MKT-25-05952-CR.
The warrant was issued by Judge Lorelie S. Balansay-Tapia of the Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 130 in Makati City, dated October 9, 2025, with recommended bail set at P10,000.
Police said the suspect was informed of the nature of her arrest and her constitutional rights in a language she understood, but she allegedly chose to remain silent.
Authorities also noted that an Alternative Recording Device (ARD) was used during the operation in compliance with Supreme Court rules on the use of body-worn cameras during the execution of warrants.
The arrested suspect is currently under the custody of MPD-PS11, while the return of the warrant will be submitted to the issuing court.
ia/xf
