*image courtesy of Google Images
Just this afternoon, around 1:30 pm, as I was on my way home from the Quezon City Hall to get my medical certificate, I was interrupted by a man asking if I know any place where tattooed youngsters hang out. I was about to ride a trike to our house when he approached me. He said he noticed my tattoos at the nek and arms that's why he asked me.
He introduced himself as PO1 Eric *i forgot the surname* and told me that just a few minutes ago, a riot has occured (there in Philcoa) an hour ago, where his neice and her niece's boyfriend got mobbed and beaten up by a group of tattoed guys and a lesbian. I told him I don't know about such place where tattoed guys hang out, and that I have no idea about the riot that happened as I was busy at the City Hall.
At first he was courteous, he told me he is undercover to investigate the incident and asked if I am okay to be asked a few more quetions just to help with the case since they are determined to find the "bad guys". Being someone who just wanted to help, I headed to his request and did cooperate.
His questioning was a bit verging into being accusing and abusive. It was like he's trying to make me admit I am part of the group which caused the riot and hurt his family members. It kinda put me off and just told him there's is no way I am part of that group, or any group for that matter since I am not very sociable and I dislike being in a group.
Then a lesbian (sorry guys, I don't intend to sound discriminating or anything, just giving you a clear narrative about the events) walked infront of us (we are still near the tricycle bay) and he also asked the lesbo if he can interrogate her since it was said that part of the riot gang was a lesbian wearing black and has highlights on her hair, which perfectly fits the look of the lesbian who just walked by. The lesbo, (she said her name is Joy) said yes, and like me, said that she was no part of the gang.
Then another man came in the scene, and was introduced by the "police officer" as Kagawad. He said they are taking Joy and I to the precinct to be asked a couple of more questions. They asked us to cooperate and even threatened us that if we refuse, there is possibility that we will be suspected as guilty or part of the group.
On our way to the "precinct", we (the police officer, the kagawad, Joy and I) walked from Philcoa to Eliptical Road near the Department of Agriculture. At this point, I was already skeptical about the things happening and knew right then that something is really wrong. "PO1 Eric" kept on asking questions and quite insisting that we should cooperate or else we will be accused of being guilty.
He even told us that his niece lost her wallet containing money, and her cellphone. He asked Joy and I how much money we were carrying that time and asked if we have our ATM with us. He even checked our phones. By that time, my suspicions grew wildly and I knew right then that something isn't right.
We stopped at the waiting shed infront of the Department of Agriculture. "PO1 Eric" told me that he will have Joy join him first at the precinct, as the victims were there to identify if she was part of the riot. He left me at the waiting shed with the kagawad. Before they left, PO1 Eric asked Joy if she can leave her bag with me since she needs to go at the precinct carrying nothing so as we won't be suspected by the other police fficers ("Kpaga nakita kayong may hawak na malaking pera at cellphone, baka paginitan kayo ng ibang pulis isipin na kasama nga kayo nung gang at kayo ang nagnakaw ng pera ng pamangkin ko")
While PO1 Eric and Joy were away, I was hinting to the kagawad that I already want to go. I told him that this is not the proper way of policemen to interrogate a civilian because of an incident. I also told him that I have a bad feeling and that I will not hesitate to make a call to someone I know from the Police (but I actually do not know anyone from the authorities). I opened my phone and pretended to text. The kagawad said he needs to see what I am texting just to make sure that I am not texting "my gang mates", if ever I was involved. I showed him my phone, which is on the message screen with me typing the message "
Da, ini-interrogate ako ng undercover police at kagawad dito sa may DA, may riot daw na nangyari sa Philcoa. Baka pwede mo tawagan si Major para tulungan ako dito kasi naaabala ako may client pa akong dapat puntahan ngayon". I sent it to my other phone number which is saved as "B" on my contacts.
I did that to intimidate the "kagawad", to let him know that I already know what they are up to, and to threaten him that I know someone who can bust them and have them arrested.
On the other hand, while I was keeping my cool and trying to be brave, I felt very disturbed and afraid not knowing what I should do next in order to escape them. I was not sure if letting the kagawad know that I already know about their dirty tactics is a good move, but at that time, I was already preparing myself to the worst that can happen, just in case they have guns or knives that they can use on me.
After 5 mins, PO1 Eric and Joy came back, with Joy looking very afraid. PO1 told me that it's my turn to go with him, and just like Joy, I should leave my things. He asked me to leave my bag to Joy. At that time, I hesitated. (Excuse me, it's my Gucci Bag, iPhone and 10K cash at stake and I cannot entrust that to someone I barely know). I know that when I leave my things with her, she's just going to run away with it. She's part of this group and this whole interrogation thing!
I said I will not leave my things no matter what. The police officer already changed his tone and became aggressive. He already used bad words on me. He threatened me that I was acting guilty and that he will arrest me. I said I am not afraid if he'll arrest me because I am innocent and have nothing to do with anything that transpired at the riot. I told the police officer and the kagawad. But I just cannot entrust my valuables to someone I do not know. I am not that stupid. And I also told them that if they intend to bring me to the station and be interrogated, I will call our family lawyer first. I told him that what they were doing is illegal. I told them I know police SOP during this kind of situation and that he (the police officer) can be reprimanded and be filed a case with what he is doing to me. (I tried to conceal my shaky voice). I saw the kagawad whispered something to him.
The police officer suddenly changed tones, and told me that he believes me and that he will no longer ask me to come with him to the precinct. He and Joy left immediately and the kagawad followed them. I rushed to get a taxi cab.
Inside the cab, I was shaking. Aside from the intense heat, it's the feeling of fright and not knowing what bad can happen which really got into my nerves. I felt so relieved and I cannot thank all the angels enough who have saved me from that situation.
When I got home, I immediately called my sister and told her about the incident. I wanted to warn her, I wanted to keep her away from the bad guys. For I know should it had been her on the situation, she will be frightened to death and will be left robbed with everything. (I just cannot let that happen)
After I got my composure back, I cannot help but feel bad afterwards. I felt bad that there are people who are up to going that far to decoy, scam and rob other people. I felt bad, thinking that after me, what if there is someone who got victimized by this group and left with his/her things taken? And I felt bad not being able to report it to the police immediately, since I was actually on a rush to meet a client.
I wrote this post to warn everyone about this new (I am not sure if this modus operandi is NEW) tactics bad guys do to get things from people. I would like you guys to spread the word and make everybody else be aware and informed. This is a lesson for everyone. Do not talk to strangers. If they introduce themselves to be police authorities, politely ask for their identification or police badge to be sure. Do not trust just anybody with your things, and in case of compromised safety or instances where you find yourself in the midst of frightening and dangerous circumstances, clear your mind and think of ways how you can escape safely, and pray pray pray.
