The Dangers of Being a Commuter
Posted on April 18th, 2008 by PwengBee under Commuter Rants
I have been a commuter ever since. Commuting is very dangerous here in the Philippines, especially in jeepneys. There had been instances that jeepneys are one of the targets of gangs and criminals. There are some passengers who already lost their lives because of stickup, bag-snatching and ambush. Sex maniacs also search potential victims in jeepneys.
Upon hearing these stories, I became extra careful every time I ride on a jeepney. But no matter how careful I am, there were times that I felt the danger of being a commuter.
One late afternoon, me and my friend were riding in a jeepney. We were sitting at the edge of the jeepney. The jeepney was full after a few miles have passed. But there was a man who still got in and sat right next to me. That’s when we felt danger.
What in the hell is this man doing? The jeepney is already full and he is still squeezing himself to fit in. He had a large empty backpack. I am sure this is one of the tactics some robbers are using. They squeeze in to feel if you have something in your pocket or to get close to your handbag.
I have a bulky Sharp902 phone which was at the left-side pocket of my pants. The man squeezed on my left side. Luckily, my friend was sitting in front of me. I immediately took my cellphone out of my pocket and gave it to my friend. I just told him to hold it for me to avoid the cellphone being crushed as an excuse.
You know what happened next? After a minute or two, the man left and he was smiling. He was smiling because he knew that we knew what he was planning to do but he did not succeed.
There was also another man who left after him and we noticed that they know each other. This man was already at the jeepney before this man who squeezed beside me arrived. How in the world?!? Maybe this man was the lookout for victims and then if he founds one, he will inform the other to make the attack. Well, I am not like those who just sit in a jeepney and are never aware of what will about to happen.
I am very observant to my surroundings. I always double check my things before getting off the jeepney and I am glad that I was lucky to escape from danger. - Pweng Bee
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April 20th, 2008 at 8:16 am
I also experienced that, there are lot of criminals out there and everywhere even in a taxi and buses. It so scary and we must be careful every time we travel alone.
April 20th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Yep, it’s very, very dangerous. There was one time I was on a jeep with my mom. My pocket was full of basketball cards and the snatchers thought it was a cellphone. I was lucky my mom noticed them before they could do anything to me.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:15 am
Oh no! Now I am afraid riding on a jeepney.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:59 am
Yes, its always good to be aware of your surroundings.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:15 am
I am always scared to ride a jeepney. So I ride an fx instead. However, it is still as dangerous…
And you are right, it’s always to be good to be aware of our surroundings to protect ourselves.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:20 am
Yes. One time, a guy took a stolen shot from me. Geeezzz.. He had a military bag so I though he was either a soldier a NPA…
April 21st, 2008 at 3:40 am
Good thing you are observant. To add to that, sometimes these kind of man are the ones who gets angry easily … specially when their plan has not succeeded.
If you also notice, these kind of man does not get rich even if they will snatch a CP and sold it for a cheap price. Even if they do it everyday and have a money, like 1,000 a day and in a month 30,000 seems to be a huge amount for us already … but they are still not rich …
April 21st, 2008 at 4:00 am
Keep your money inside your underwear or your socks… keep your cellphone hidden while traveling. Don’t text while walking or riding a jeepney. Don’t keep large amounts of money in your pocket. Only keep small change for fares and food. Always be on alert; don’t fall asleep.
April 21st, 2008 at 7:06 am
Its been a long time since I rode a jeep. I usually on my scooter that’s why. But i know all the possible dangers in being a commuter. I say just be alert.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Some criminals look like a professional or business man with their clothes. You wont even think that they are criminals.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Lucky you. I’ve been a victim of those snatchers way way back, guess I’m not that vigilant enough to notice it.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:46 pm
You know i love riding a jeepney when I’m going to my home town. I’m just hanging at the back of jeepney
or sometimes I’m on the rooftop of the jeep together with others.. I don’t mind any danger riding a jeepney ‘coz i know there’s nothing to worry about if you had only faith in god :)…weee LOL!
April 21st, 2008 at 3:40 pm
i think you should put your stuff in your bag, like the typical sling bag where you cradle it when you sit on a jeepney, bus or train. i suggest that you refrain from using a backpack because it allows an easy access to your belongings. no way can you rotate your head 360 degress.
you’re right when you said that you are aware of strangers carrying huge empty bags. but hey don’t forget to take notice of those decent looking persons. they might also be pickpockets. as i always emphasize, BEWARE of your belongings when you’re commuting. it’s one in a million that you can encounter an honest person nowadays.
April 21st, 2008 at 6:01 pm
When I commute, I always see to it that all the zippers in my bag are close and not easily be navigated by those “monstrous, devil hands”…I always keep my bag so close to me and I dont put my phone or big amount of money especially the coins in my pocket bcoz this will create a bulky appearance that would give those devils the idea that some goodies are up for grabs. I had always been a commuter and lucky me that so far…I was never able to experience things like that except that I was able to witnessed some perverts who were actually doing their thing in public…You know…those show-off thing that perverts/maniacs do…I dont know what drives them to do that…maybe whenever they spot some pretty hot girls…yucks….they really look so gross and scary….take care everyone..
April 22nd, 2008 at 5:12 am
There was a time I was on a jeep with a hot chic and an old man. The man cannot resist grabbing her boobies. The hot chic shouted and when the man got off the jeep, one of the passengers tripped him. Then, we started kicking him. I ran off afterwards to get away from news reporters.
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:56 am
we should really be cautious and alert in times like this..being a victim of snatchers and criminals, the worst part of it, is the trauma that the incident had put on the victims.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:49 am
I would like to thank everyone for sharing your experience in commuting. We really need to be super duper extra careful today.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:53 am
So, Theresa… I think you have a stalker or an admirer. It’s so scary…
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:01 am
Well, Maybe they are spending it on drugs Junelle…
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:10 am
You are one Smart Ass! Keep it up!
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:57 am
…commuting is really scary… once i went home riding the lrt… i was with my boyfriend and that time it was packed with lots of people… so we have to stand. and this creppy guy was brushing his arms on my arms… and minutes later he was getting really close… my boyfriend moved nearer… and the guy noticed and moved away… talking about maniacs!
April 30th, 2008 at 4:49 am
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May 2nd, 2008 at 6:52 am
cool! thanks for the pingback!
May 8th, 2008 at 3:02 am
I hat maniacs! Eiw!
June 7th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
I agree PwengBee. It pays to be observant of the people around us
June 11th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Garyshack, no one gets away with Pweng Bee …