‘Sabunot Gang’ Attacks in Manila?
Taking public transportation in Manila these days is tiring by itself – dealing with heavy traffic, standing in overloaded buses, and racing with other commuters to get on a jeepney that put passengers in great danger.
But there comes another cause of worry among commuters: criminals whose modus operandi is by pulling the hair of their targets to distract them, then another member would sneak into the bag of the unsuspecting victim.
The gang has now been tag as “sabunot gang”.
There have already been numerous cases in the past when passengers have lost their personal belongings while taking public transportation due to this well-plotted schemes by thieves, said When in Manila.
As part of their ploy, the perpetrators dress like ordinary passengers, and simply apologize to their victims to make a quick escape.
The gang members, the report said, execute their modus mostly along EDSA.
One of the victims narrated her experience in the report, saying: “A little heads-up: Beware of the Sabunot Gang. Nakaupo ako sa aisle ng bus cruising along EDSA Balintawak nang maramdaman ko na may humihila ng buhok ko.”
“As a commuter” the victim said “Sanay ka na doon pag may bumababa. Etong sabunot na ito, medyo matindi, na tipong mahahawakan mo yung kamay sa likod. Pero yun ang gusto nilang gawin mo.”
The victim added: “They want you to get your hands busy prying your hair free from their grip so you’re not holding your bag. And then another man in front of the guy reached out his hand to touch my hair saying sorry. Syempre galit na ako at sinabing, “Wag mo hawakan ang buhok ko!” Tapos biglang nanglamig ako sa pagiging weird ng pangyayari nung maisip ko na yung cellphone ko nasa bag baka kinuha.”
“Ayun pagdukot ko wala na. It seems there was another man involved to fish my phone out of my bag. The guy who tried to touch my hair, to cover my face, and disorient me or cover from other passengers, looked like a normal guy. Hindi nanglilimahid or masama itsura. They know their stuff. Modus na pala talaga sya. I didn’t know until last night. Next time, akapin na lang natin bag natin pag ganun.”
(Source: FilipinoTimes.net)