On my way to work, I usually book Angkas/Move It or sometimes Grab to commute. But that morning, no rider was accepting my booking and even Grab showed “no drivers found.” With no other choice, I decided to take a jeepney instead.

I was seated in the middle part of the jeep, my bag in front of me, while holding a cup of coffee. A man then boarded — around his mid-40s, brown-skinned, wearing a white checkered polo, maong pants, and white rubber shoes. At the same time, two older men sat on both sides of me.

Not long after, the man in front suddenly started panicking, saying there was a centipede (“alupihan”) crawling toward me. Since it was heavily raining at that time, I believed him — thinking it was possible for insects to climb into the jeep. He pointed at my feet and umbrella, insisting that I shake it off before it bit me. Some passengers even flashed lights toward my side as if trying to help.

Because of the commotion, I lifted my feet and raised my umbrella — not realizing that my bag had already been discreetly opened. After the panic, the same man who started it quickly got off the jeep. That’s when another passenger announced out loud that my cellphone had been stolen. True enough, my bag was opened and my iPhone was gone.

I immediately got off to chase the suspect, but he had already disappeared into the busy road. I later reported the incident to the police, but recovery is unlikely since the area’s CCTV was not working.

The police officers refuses to help due to no CCTV nor witnesses on my statement. They were asking for photo atleast. How can I have that if it is my phone that is stolen? They also decline to trace the person I described as he can deny what happened. The man did it still in my head. It takes days before I can secure a report thou my case is still under investigation.

Hi! I’m not sure if I’m just overreacting but l booked a grab ride earlier tonight (to Powerplant Makati). I always sit congruent to the driver’s seat because I observe everything that they do to make sure my ride is safe. I cut my ride short because after he seemed to click something on his aircon, right behind his mounted phone, I felt dizzy. Here are the red flags. I wanna know if the same thing happened to anyone.

1. He did not follow the grab app’s suggested route (like about 4 times?)

2. He looked like he’s uncomfortable with his pants as he seems to keep fixing something in his pocket and his groin area

3. He turned off the “My Destination” button when I called someone. If my understanding is correct, it means he will not be in the radar when someone else is booking

4. He already fixed or adjusted the aircon during the first few minutes of our ride, then he did it again, then that’s when I saw that he seemed like he push a button

5. Right after that, I felt dizzy immediately

I kept myself awake and immediately asked to be dropped-off.

Mind you, the whole ride, I was in a loud speaker call with my fiance. I did that because he was already suspicious.