Makati shoppers cautioned vs Palakpak gang

MANNILA, Philippines - Early Christmas shoppers in Makati City were warned over the weekend against falling victims to the "Palakpak Gang," lest they lose the items they bought. Radio dzXL reported that the city’s police advised mall goers to keep an eye on their valuables and to ignore “clapping sounds" meant to divert their attention. Authorities said the gang members make loud clapping noise to distract shoppers, while some of them sneak in to snatch the bags on those who would be distracted. Shoppers were also advised not to fall for another racket where a "mother" carrying a child asks for fare money, claiming she missed her bus trip. - GMANews.TV