A Guide to Avoid THIEVES in Cebu: Jeepneys are Dangerous
Part I: Jeepneys are Dangerous
Cebuanos know that jeepneys are particularly dangerous spaces to be in. Normally, people who take jeepneys do not bring along any of the following:
1. Wads of cash, credit cards or lots of ID cards (seriously, you would not want to lose your passport and important IDs. If you take the jeepney, it is better to leave these things in a safe place)
2. Thick wallets (eye candy for snatchers sa for them, thick wallets = many bills)
3. Jewelries, whether gold or silver (some snatchers will even go for cheap silver)
4. Expensive accessories (Hermes belt, Louis Vuitton bag, Omega watches, Coach bags or whatever) Seriously, if you can afford to splurge on these things, please do not scrimp on your transportation.
5. Expensive mobile phones (iPhones, android phones and anything touch screen)
If you wanna take the jeepney as it is a much cheaper alternative to taxis (jeepneys, to date, cost roughly around 10 pesos while taxi flag down is around 40 pesos), you have to dress cheap too. And I mean, do not look like a million bucks or you will be like honey to the bees.
When in jeepneys:
1. Always check your belongings and keep them close. Don’t hug them or you will look paranoid. Just act natural.
2. There are several modus in jeepneys, do not fall for them. If you see someone trying to distract you and do not know who that person is, ignore him. Most likely he is trying to distract you so his partner in crime could take something from your pockets or your bag.
3. Always be alert and don’t fall asleep. Snatchers are not always in the jeep. They could also be outside. When the jeepney stops, be careful. Snatchers would just come up from behind, grab your necklace, earrings or cap and you wouldn’t be able to chase them at all.
4. When robberies occur in jeepneys, stay still. If the robber asks for your things, give it to him. It is a lot better to lose a handphone than your life. And yes, they do kill. Poverty does that to people.
5. I would suggest you take the front seats as snatchers usually the passengers at the back of the jeep.
6. If you can’t nab the front seat, take the seat closest to the entryway.
continue reading: A Guide to Avoid THIEVES in Cebu: Colon Street is Dangerous
know more about Jeepney number codes: Cebu Jeepney Guide – Number Codes
