Police in Cebu City arrested nine suspected thieves from Metro Manila at a mall in Mambaling on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. These individuals are believed to be members of the notorious Lavistre group, an organized crime syndicate.
The incident began when mall security guards caught Angelica Capales, 35, of Quezon City, stealing branded clothes. She was handed over to the Mambaling Police Station. During questioning, Capales admitted she had two accomplices also from Metro Manila. This led to a quick follow-up operation by the police, who then apprehended eight more suspects.
The other eight arrested were identified as
Marilyn Traspaderme Lavistre, 37
Liza Lavistre, 38
Nekia Lavistre Francisco, 20
Mark Talinio Castillo, 40
Geralyn Ortea Perje, 39
Jason Pia Lozada, 44
Maricel Cruz Corre, 38
Charneth Corpuz, 18
Police recovered various stolen branded items valued at an estimated P100,000..
Police Lt. Col. Maria Theresa Macatangay, Deputy City Director for Operations of the Cebu City Police Office, told Bombo Radyo Cebu Newsteam that they had received information on Monday, July 7, about out-of-town thieves arriving in the city. This early warning allowed them to quickly mobilize and catch the group.
Investigators learned that the Lavistre group doesn’t just target Cebu. Their next planned stops were Cagayan de Oro City in Northern Mindanao and Iloilo City in Western Visayas. The police have also identified their local contacts and are actively pursuing them.
The group’s method involves stealing clothes from different parts of the country and then sending them as packages to Metro Manila to sell. The arrested individuals have so far refused to comment on their arrest.
