French couple robbed of cash, valuables by 5 women in Ermita

MANILA, Philippines — A French couple visiting the Philippines complained on Tuesday that five women stole their cash and valuables after hours of drinking and dining with them in Ermita, Manila.

Julienne Annick, 52, and Ogier Serge identified one of the pickpockets based on the Manila Police District’s rogue gallery. The suspect was identified as Agnes Cusipe, a woman facing multiple complaints from foreigners in Manila.

In their complaint filed before the MPD, the victims said they lost P4,000, $400, and 60 Euro. The theft happened between1 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Monday.

Serge said they first met Cusipe’s group while walking along Luneta Park on Sunday morning. They chatted and were entertained by the French couple. Later the girls invited them to have lunch and drinks with them.

Eventually, the girls left and the couple went back to their hotel.

At 9 p.m., Serge thought of having dinner at Cultural Center of the Philippines. While looking for a restaurant there, the couple saw Cusipe’s group again.

The group invited them to a restaurant where they ate and drank. About 2 a.m. on Monday, the couple decided to go back to the hotel.

They boarded a taxi and there, Serge discovered that his bag had been zipped open and that their money and gadgets were already missing.  SFM