Commuters in Tondo, Manila, faced a harrowing experience on Tuesday evening after five armed men carried out a daring robbery aboard a passenger jeepney. The incident left several passengers shaken, while one victim suffered a loss that could disrupt crucial travel plans.
The jeepney, traveling from a Santa Cruz mall toward Pritil just after 7 p.m., became the stage for a meticulously planned hold-up. The robbers made off with cash, mobile phones, and notably, the passport of a passenger scheduled to fly to Indonesia the following morning—an essential document for the overseas trip.
Operation Details and Suspects
CCTV footage captured the suspects fleeing the scene near the corner of Tayuman Street and Juan Luna in Barangay 154. The five men calmly exited the jeepney, then walked toward a nearby supermarket gate before scattering.
Barangay 55 Executive Officer Clodualdo Frago said that four of the suspects may have boarded the jeepney at the Santa Cruz mall terminal, while the fifth reportedly joined near Dagupan Street, triggering the robbery.
"Nag-declare ng hold-up paglagpas po ng Dagupan," Frago stated. "Biglaan, marami sila sa loob ng jeep. May mga pera, cellphone, kasama po pa ‘yung ibang mga gadget ng pasahero."
Armed with bladed weapons, the robbers intimidated passengers into surrendering their valuables, leaving victims with little choice but to comply.
Impact on OFW Passenger
The most alarming loss was the overseas-bound passenger’s passport. With their critical travel document stolen, the individual now faces potential delays or even cancellation of an essential flight. Authorities emphasize that crimes like these can have consequences far beyond monetary theft.
Police Response and Investigation
So far, only one passenger has officially filed a report, though it is suspected that more were affected. The Manila Police District has initiated an intensive manhunt operation. Investigators are coordinating with the nearby supermarket to obtain clearer CCTV footage that could help identify the robbers and trace their escape route.
Officials stress the importance of the collected evidence in apprehending the five suspects behind this brazen act, highlighting the growing need for vigilance among public transport passengers.
