This is another story about my commuting experience.

The man who sat beside me in the jeep was caught in the act. I caught him sneaking on my bag! It was already dark and I am on my way to visit a friend. It was a rainy night.

The man wore a black jacket with a backpack. The jeep was not very packed but he still sat right next to me. I was wearing my cap, covering my eyes allowing me to only look down.

As I looked around, I saw his hand under his jacket trying to reach out for my bag. I hugged my bag to show him that he was already caught in the act.

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