Unmasking Warla: Get to Know the 12 Intriguing Facts of a Transgender Gang’s Criminal Reign in the Philippines

In a thrilling twist of crime and identity, allow us to introduce you to a group like no other. Meet Warla, a gang of audacious individuals on a mission to fulfill their deepest desires through unconventional means.

With an astonishing modus operandi that involves kidnapping unsuspecting men, these bold individuals are driven by a unique purpose: their own transformative journey of reassignment surgery.

Brace yourself for a captivating tale that will take you into the mysterious world of the Warla gang, where boundaries blur and identities intertwine. Get ready to be entertained, intrigued, and perhaps even find yourself questioning the limits one would go to achieve their true selves. Welcome to the extraordinary world of Warla, where crime and self-discovery collide in a whirlwind of suspense and transformation.

WARLA GANG SA NGALAN NG PAGPAPARETOKE - YouTube

Last year, notorious gang known as the “Warla” has captivated the attention of the Philippines with their audacious kidnap-for-ransom activities. Comprised primarily of transgender women, this group has made headlines for luring foreigners with promises of romantic encounters, only to ensnare them in a web of danger. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of the Warla gang, exploring 12 intriguing facts that shed light on their criminal exploits.

The Transgender Twist: Unveiling the Warla Gang’s Unique Composition

The Warla gang’s reign of terror came to a screeching halt when eight alleged members were apprehended by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). Most of these individuals were transgender women, adding a unique twist to their criminal enterprise.

Five suspects, Jun Francis Pavillar Villa, Lawrenz Descartin Lingo, Jhonas Grimpula Belonio, Bernard Ty Torres, and Mark Joseph Dagame Pelonio, were apprehended in entrapment operations involving illegal weapons. Led by Mikey Ebol or Mike Collado Ebol, the gang consists of nine transgender women. Ongoing manhunt operations aim to capture Mikey Ebol and other members Lexi Villanueva, Jaine Martinez, Hector Magallanes (aka “Yanyan”), Erwin Flores (aka “Marga”), and Mathew San Diego. The pursuit of justice continues.

Foreigners in the Crosshairs: The Warla Gang’s Predatory Targeting

CIDG chief Police Brigadier General Ronald Lee revealed that the Warla gang had been preying on foreign nationals, particularly Asian nationals, since 2018. Victims included employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and businessmen.

From Promises to Peril: The Warla Gang’s Seductive Trap

The gang’s modus operandi involved posing as attractive women and enticing their targets into meeting them for dates. Once the victims agreed, the Warla gang would swiftly transition from seduction to abduction.

A Terrifying Ordeal: The Abduction of Michael Lee

Among the victims was Taiwanese national Michael Lee, who was kidnapped in Parañaque on September 3. Fortunately, authorities managed to rescue him from the clutches of the gang four days later, thanks to swift action.

Ransom Demands: Desperate Measures for Freedom

Seeking financial gain, the Warla gang demanded a hefty sum of money from Michael Lee’s friends in exchange for his freedom. Remarkably, the victim’s friends managed to gather P308,000 and sent it to five different mobile wallet accounts as instructed.

Tracing the Money Trail: The CIDG’s Ingenious Investigation

The CIDG meticulously traced the payment transactions, ultimately leading them to the culprits. Three members, Dewie Shaine Collado Garcia, Charlemagne Olunan Vargas, and Christian Paredes, surrendered, while five others were arrested in entrapment operations involving illegal weapons.

Warla Gang Chronicles: The Birth of a Criminal Enterprise

The Warla gang, aptly named after a term in gay lingo signifying conflict or argument, was established in 2018. Under the leadership of Mikey Ebol or Mike Collado Ebol, the gang operated primarily in the southern part of Metro Manila.

Million-Peso Ransom: Unveiling the Gang’s Lucrative Criminal Ventures

Astonishingly, the Warla gang had already victimized 14 individuals, accumulating a staggering ransom of P4.2 million. What makes their motives even more intriguing is the revelation that the arrested suspects claimed they intended to utilize the funds for sex reassignment surgery in Thailand.

A Gender Transformation Quest: The Intriguing Motives of the Arrested Suspects

As authorities continue their relentless pursuit of justice, manhunts are underway to capture Mikey Ebol and other identified members of the Warla gang, including Lexi Villanueva, Jaine Martinez, Hector Magallanes (known as “Yanyan”), Erwin Flores (“Marga”), and Mathew San Diego.

Elusive Fugitives: Manhunt Operations for the Gang’s Key Players

The CIDG has filed complaints against all arrested individuals, charging them with kidnapping and violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Law. The full force of the law awaits these perpetrators.

Facing the Law: Charges and Consequences for the Captured Gang Members

The shocking revelation that the gang planned to use the ransom money for personal transformations adds another layer of complexity to their criminal activities. It underscores the desperate measures they were willing to take to achieve their desired identities.

Desperation for Identity: The Warla Gang’s Startling Motivation

The Warla gang’s audacious exploits have shed light on the importance of vigilance and caution in an increasingly complex world. This captivating tale serves as a reminder to safeguard our personal safety and protect ourselves from the clutches of those who seek to exploit us.


The saga of the Warla gang has both fascinated and horrified the Philippines, exposing a dark underbelly of crime and deception. As we reflect on their audacious kidnap-for-ransom activities, we are reminded of the need to stay vigilant, especially in the realm of personal interactions. May the capture and prosecution of these individuals serve as a stark warning to others who may contemplate treading down a similar treacherous path. Let this be a call to action, urging us to protect ourselves and our communities from those who seek to do harm.

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