Manila Travel Alert: Beware of Gagamboys

Travelers heading to and from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) are being warned of a modus operandi that is currently being executed by a group of men just outside the airport grounds in Manila. The men usually approach vehicles that have open windows begging for money or items. However, if they get the chance to grab something, they might steal it from you. The group of men have been nicknamed the ‘gagamboys’ as they have been compared by authorities to spiders that cling to the walls.

Copyright Photo: ABS-CBN News
An ABS-CBN News crew was patrolling the area when they were able to capture a video of the ‘gagamboys’ shoving their hands inside an open vehicle. They left the van when they received money from the victim. The victim told the news agency that the men were asking for gifts and recalled them saying, "Pasalubong sa kababayan kesa gumawa ng masama." (Gifts for fellow countrymen instead of doing something bad.)

The absence of police has led to this new form of aggressive begging in the area. The authorities have warned the public to be very cautious during traffic congestion as this is when the group of males target possible victims.

Motorists are advised to ensure that all windows are closed and that all vehicle doors are locked. It is also advised to refrain from opening your windows to beggars or vendors as they might also be a suspect in this new operation. If you become a victim, make sure to contact the authorities as soon as possible to report the incident.

-travellingbk

Sources: ANCTV PatrolPhilstar

12 comments:

  1. Worst airport na nga ang NAIA, dadagdagan pa ninyong mga "gagamboys" ang suliranin ng airport? Lalo nang naging worst airport ang NAIA dahil sa inyo.

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  2. Police solution? -- close your windows always. Police should do their job and protect the taxpayers.

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  3. Natawa aku sa "Close your windows" pano pag jeep o kung anu man na di tlga nasasara ung bintana nga nga na lang?

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  4. thats philippines in a shithole... no one cares.. thats why no one want to transit via Naia.. lastweek i got asked from taxidriver 250p from naia t2 to remington hotel.. and it was airport taxi.

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    1. "thats philippines in a shithole" a bad comment, but what's worse is that IS the global perception. Guess what? People don't like to be robbed driving through a bad neighborhood after arriving in a crappy, unairconditioned terminal with not enough working toilets. If you were a new investor, would you want to leave your money here when you can't even go in and out of the airport safely? The rest of ASEAN is blowing past this place.

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  5. It all boils down to self respect which these poor souls don't have because they see no future for them. They resort to thievery and chicanery to get ahead. I say bring back corporal and capital punishment and mete our stiff sentences swiftly!

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  6. And the terrm to use in not "close the windoe" but "roll up the window". Tsk.

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    1. I meant "window" not windoe :-)

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  7. Sabihin sa susundo sa inyo... magdala ng pepper spray... sprayan sa mata yang mga yan.... haahahaha

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  8. Nice sharing! I like your blog. Your blog is informative for all tourists. I am planning to visit Pasay and Parañaque cities after completing my boston to washington dc tours with my friends. During travel I follow your suggestion. I also share this information with my friends.

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  9. Security is necessary for everyone. Every traveler should keep security precautions in his mind because there is every type of persons will meet you in your travel. You should not stop your car for any stranger in a suspected area. It may be harmful for you. It is not only the area of Manila is unsafe but there are many other places in this world are unsafe. We should be very careful while traveling.

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