UK Issues Warning To Its Citizens In The Philippines After British National Was Shot During Taxi Hold-Up In Makati
The UK government has warned any of its citizens currently in the Philippines to be extra careful when travelling by taxi after a British woman became the victim of a violent robbery. The 51 year old female was riding a taxi from Burgos in Makati to Malate in Manila a few days ago when the driver suddenly declared a hold-up. After forcibly taking the woman’s handbag, the driver shot her twice in the face before escaping in an unknown direction, leaving his victim with serious injuries. The driver and a suspected accomplice have since been arrested.
The taxi involved in the hold-up and subsequent shooting of a 51 year old British national.
The text of the warning, posted in the Foreign Travel Advice section of the Gov.uk website reads: “Latest update: Safety and security section (Crime) – only use taxis from a reputable company; some taxi drivers and their accomplices have robbed and harmed passengers.”
Another advisory posted on the website states: “There’s a high level of violent crime, including gun crime. Although British nationals are not normally targeted, they have been caught up in some incidents. Criminal gangs sometimes use terrorist tactics like kidnapping. Explosions attributed to criminal organisations have caused fatalities. There is a high incidence of street crime and robbery. You should take sensible precautions. Arrange to be met at the airport or use a hotel transfer service. Only use taxis from a reputable company. Some taxi drivers and their accomplices have robbed and harmed passengers. Avoid displaying cash or jewellery. Beware of strangers offering drinks or confectionery. They may be spiked. Be particularly vigilant when travelling on public transport. Armed hold-ups have occurred on ‘jeepneys’ and buses. In some cases these have resulted in fatalities.”
Incidents like this latest one should be of grave concern to the authorities and all involved. Here in Makati CBD, there seem to be ticket writing (and revenue generating) traffic enforcers on every corner, but proper police patrols, either by car or on foot, seem to be in somewhat short supply. While all victims of crimes are equal in their misfortune and deserve the same levels of sympathy and support, if warnings like this continue to be issued by foreign governments the city and the country as a whole may suffer from it due to security concerns influencing the decision of companies to base their offices here. Business Confidence can be a fragile thing and the best way to reassure the public and the business community (and to deter criminals) would be robust and highly visible policing.
In the meanwhile, the old warnings about taxis that everyone will be all too familiar with still hold true. Always check what cab you get into and note down the plate number. Text the number to a friend if you feel uncomfortable or don’t get in the cab in the first place if you feel suspicious. More often than not, human intuition- that gut feeling you get when something just doesn’t seem quite right – is a great help in avoiding sticky situations. While there are thousands of honest and hard working taxi drivers roaming the streets, sadly the few criminal elements amongst them mean everyone must continue to be careful when using this mode of transport.
UK Issues Warning To Its Citizens In The Philippines After British National Was Shot During Taxi Hold-Up In Makati
