HERE are more Philippine National Police safety tips on how to avoid falling victim to con artists and robbers while in public transit.

PNP chief, Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome said the safety tips are part of the PNP’s “Be  informed, plan ahead and be safe” program which was developed by the PNP Directorate for Police-Community Relations headed by Director Rommel DF Heredia to prepare and equip the public with the necessary information in times of emergencies, disaster and other life-threatening situations.

“While the police play a vital role in creating a safe environment, every citizen must also develop his own safety core competency,” said Gen. Bartolome as he encouraged the citizenry to thoroughly consider the following safety tips that could save precious lives and properties.

ZEST-O GANG

This scheme is usually executed by three members. One of the perpetrators wearing a bus conductor’s uniform will ask their potential victim “Ilan Ho” or “How Many.? The unsuspecting victim assumes that the man is the bus conductor and responds with the amount of fare the victim should pay. The criminal then forcibly hands the victim a Zest-O juice or any food item and demands that the victim pay for the item. The two accomplices will vouch that the victim ordered from the vendor. Under threat of physical harm, the victim will then be forced to pay up.

Police said that to avoid being victimized by these con artists, bus riders must always be alert and pay only to the bus conduct. A bus passenger who happens to encounter these criminals is always advised to go to the nearest police station to file a complaint as soon as he or she gets off the bus.

BUNGGO-BUNGGO GANG

The group scouts for potential victims, usually lady drivers. The syndicate identifies and follows the victim. By the time they reach a deserted and remote area, they deliberately crash into the rear end of the victim’s car assuming that the victim will stop and inspect the damage.

Members of the syndicate will wait for their target to approach and confront them about her car’s damage. The moment the victim alights from her car, the suspects will take the victim’s car at gunpoint. There were also incidents wherein the suspects have abducted and raped their victim.